Dr Varinder Sharma
In recent years, incidents of violence against doctors have escalated alarmingly, posing a serious threat to the healthcare system in the entire nation. Healthcare professionals, once revered as lifesavers, are increasingly becoming targets of physical and verbal assaults, vandalism, and mob violence. This distressing trend raises profound concerns about the safety of doctors and the repercussions for society at large. Rooted in systemic inadequacies, societal misunderstandings, and governance lapses, the violence against doctors is a multi-faceted issue requiring urgent redressal. According to a survey by the Indian Medical Association, nearly 75% of doctors in India have faced some form of violence in their professional lives. This alarming figure underscores the dire state of affairs in the country’s healthcare system. The disparity of doctor-patient ratios at numerous places creates an overburdened healthcare system, where doctors are stretched thin, leading to delays and strained communication, often triggering frustration among patients and their families. Jammu & Kashmir is no exception as the region faces unique challenges. The region’s mountainous terrain and inadequate infrastructure hinder access to healthcare, particularly in remote areas. While Government initiatives have led to the establishment of new medical colleges and upgraded district hospitals, constraints like a lack of specialised doctors and functional equipment are major hurdles. This forces patients to rely heavily on central hospitals, exacerbating overcrowding and delays.
Violence against doctors often stems from unmet expectations and systemic failures. Many incidents of violence stem from patients’ families holding unrealistic expectations of medical outcomes. The inability to save a critically ill patient is often perceived as negligence, despite doctors doing their best within the constraints of available resources. This disconnect is further exacerbated by a lack of clear communication about the patient’s condition and the limitations of medical intervention. Patients and their families, overwhelmed by grief and stress, may perceive medical outcomes as negligence. Unrealistic expectations, compounded by a lack of clear communication about the limitations of medical science, fuel these perceptions. Financial constraints also play a significant role. The exorbitant cost of private healthcare renders quality treatment inaccessible to many, leading to resentment against the system and its representatives-doctors. In Jammu & Kashmir, private healthcare facilities are limited and often lack critical life-saving infrastructure, adding to patients’ frustration. The role of media and social platforms cannot be overlooked. Sensationalism and uninformed commentary exacerbate tensions, portraying doctors as profit-driven or apathetic. This narrative erodes trust in healthcare professionals and encourages hostility.
The consequences of violence against doctors are far-reaching. Physical assaults can lead to severe injuries, but the psychological impact is often more profound. Many doctors experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder following such incidents. A single episode can leave a lifelong scar, affecting their ability to work confidently and compassionately. For the healthcare system, the implications are dire. Fear of violence discourages doctors from taking up challenging cases, compromising patient care. Frequent disruptions in hospital operations delay treatment for other patients, while a climate of mistrust undermines the doctor-patient relationship, essential for effective healthcare delivery.
A multi-pronged approach is essential to combat this crisis. A robust healthcare system is the cornerstone of preventing violence. India currently spends only 2.5% of its GDP on healthcare, far below countries like China (6.5%), the UK (10%), and the USA (17%). Increasing this to at least 5% could significantly improve facilities, reduce overcrowding, and enhance patient care. Additionally, end-of-life care (EOLC) is a crucial aspect of healthcare that is often practically overlooked in hospitals. Hospitals need to provide this care to critically ill patients, as it plays a significant role in addressing unrealistic expectations and explaining medical limitations with compassion. EOLC is an integral part of healthcare systems in many countries, ensuring dignity and support for patients and their families during challenging times. Major hospitals here should also adopt and prioritise end-of-life care to enhance the quality and comprehensiveness of their services.
Improving the doctor-patient ratio is critical for enhancing the quality of healthcare services. By increasing the number of medical colleges and training institutions, we are taking significant steps toward producing more qualified doctors to meet the growing healthcare demands. A better doctor-patient ratio ensures that each patient receives adequate attention, timely diagnosis, and effective treatment, reducing the burden on existing healthcare professionals and improving overall patient outcomes.
In Jammu & Kashmir, the Government should prioritise establishing hospitals through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Offering incentives such as subsidies on land and equipment can be a transformative step. Unlike neighbouring states like Punjab, which have successfully developed a vast network of small and large hospitals, J&K has struggled to achieve similar progress. The Government must identify and address the underlying causes and eliminate obstacles hindering development. Encouraging private investment in healthcare through measures like subsidised land and equipment can bridge infrastructure gaps. Building a robust network of private hospitals and evening clinics would help alleviate the pressure on Government hospitals, particularly in urban areas. Additionally, ensuring the availability of essential diagnostic tools, fully operational emergency services, and specialised medical professionals is vital for enhancing healthcare in the region.
Health insurance is often overlooked by many families, leaving them vulnerable to financial hardship when faced with medical emergencies. In such situations, they are often forced to rely heavily on Government hospitals, which may lack specialised treatments. This gap in care can lead to complications beyond the expertise of the attending doctors, causing frustration that sometimes escalates into anger and violence against healthcare professionals. To prevent such scenarios, families should prioritise obtaining health insurance to safeguard themselves against unforeseen crises. The Government is enhancing health insurance coverage through initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which helps alleviate the financial burden on patients, reduce stress, and improve access to quality healthcare. However, individuals, particularly those who can afford it, should also consider opting for personal health insurance to ensure comprehensive coverage and additional financial security.
Simultaneously, hospitals must be equipped with comprehensive security systems, including CCTV cameras, panic buttons, and trained personnel. Strict laws, such as non-bailable offences under the Indian Penal Code for assaulting healthcare workers, should be rigorously enforced. Visible signboards outlining legal penalties for violence in hospitals can act as a big deterrent.
Clear and empathetic communication is vital. Doctors and healthcare staff must receive training in counselling and communication to effectively convey medical realities to patients and their families. Verbalising empathy can ease tensions and foster trust. Educating the public about the challenges doctors face and the limitations of medical science is crucial. Campaigns promoting respect for healthcare professionals can foster a culture of empathy and understanding.
Journalists and social media influencers must act responsibly when discussing healthcare issues. Constructive criticism should replace sensationalist narratives, focusing on systemic improvements rather than targeting doctors. Beyond systemic reforms, addressing violence against doctors requires a cultural shift. Society must recognise that doctors are human beings doing their best within the constraints of an imperfect system. Unrealistic expectations and the perception of doctors as infallible must be replaced with a balanced understanding of medical science and its limitations.
Additionally, adopting a proactive approach to health can significantly reduce the need for hospital visits. Regular physical activity, such as daily walks, helps maintain overall fitness, manage weight, and prevent lifestyle-related diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart problems. Coupled with an annual health checkup, individuals can identify potential health issues early and address them before they escalate into serious conditions. Together, these measures contribute to a healthier population and a reduced strain on healthcare systems.
The rise in violence against doctors is a symptom of deeper systemic issues in India’s healthcare system. Addressing this crisis requires a practical and logical approach, encompassing infrastructure improvements, legal reforms, public awareness, and cultural change. Violence has no place in a civilised society. Doctors are accountable under Consumer Courts, and any misconduct on their part can be legally addressed. This principle should be clear to everyone. Protecting healthcare professionals is not just about safeguarding individuals; it is about preserving the integrity and effectiveness of the healthcare system itself. Only by fostering mutual respect and understanding, a safer environment for doctors and better healthcare for citizens can be ensured.
(The writer is Co-convenor, Professional Cell, J&K BJP)
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