New Delhi, Delhi
A study on doctors’ safety in India has highlighted a serious concern within the healthcare system. According to a report published in the Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, around 60.9% of doctors experienced some form of violence at their workplace during the past year. Nearly 48% of these incidents were not reported to authorities.
According to the study, doctors refrained from reporting incidents primarily because of concerns about inaction, fears that the incident would not be taken seriously, and other practical reasons. The situation raises serious questions about the safety of doctors and other healthcare workers in hospitals.
Dissatisfaction With Treatment and Arguments Among Major Causes of Violence
The report states that dissatisfaction with treatment and arguments with patients’ relatives were among the major causes of violence in hospitals. In several cases, disagreements escalated into violence following dissatisfaction with treatment outcomes.
The highest number of incidents were reported in areas of hospitals where critically ill patients are treated. These included Operation Theatres (OTs) and Intensive Care Units (ICUs).
Higher Incidence of Violence in These Areas
- Operation Theatre (OT): 88.8%
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU): 85.3%
- Emergency Department: 68.6%
- Ward: 46.6%
- Outpatient Department (OPD): 42.6%
The figures suggest that the critical condition of patients, anxiety among their relatives, and emergency situations may be major factors contributing to rising tensions in hospitals.
Violence Figures Higher Among Government Doctors
The study also found differences between doctors working in the government and private sectors. 63.5% of government doctors reported experiencing workplace violence, compared with 56.9% of doctors in the private sector.
In terms of gender, 64.7% of male doctors reported experiencing violence, while the corresponding figure among female doctors was 52.9%.
Around 100 Attacks Reported Over Three Years
A separate study on attacks against doctors documented around 100 incidents over a three-year period. Nearly half of these cases were reported from six states.
- Maharashtra: 15 cases
- Kerala: 9 cases
- Punjab: 8 cases
- Delhi: 7 cases
- Karnataka: 6 cases
- Uttar Pradesh: 6 cases
These figures indicate that violence against doctors is not limited to any particular state or region.
Demand for a Law to Protect Doctors
The safety of doctors and healthcare workers has been the subject of discussions between the central and state governments for several years. In 2019, a draft law concerning doctors’ safety was also proposed, which included up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹10 lakh for incidents involving serious injury.
However, in 2023, the central government did not accept the demand for a separate central law to protect doctors. Against the backdrop of rising incidents of violence in hospitals and the large number of cases that go unreported, ensuring the safety of doctors remains a significant challenge for India’s healthcare system.
