Latest news with #PreventionofViolenceandDamagetoProperty
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Mob attacks doctors in Telangana's Mahabubnagar after death of patient
Two doctors were assaulted at United Hospital in Mahabubnagar late on Monday, July 14, after the death of a reportedly terminally ill patient triggered violence within the premises. The incident has sparked outrage among the medical fraternity, with calls for immediate legal action and stronger protection mechanisms for healthcare workers. According to hospital authorities, the patient had been admitted in a critical condition with advanced cervical cancer and bilateral renal failure. She was also suffering from urinary retention and displayed extremely poor clinical indicators. Despite sustained efforts by the emergency medical team to stabilise her condition, the woman succumbed to her illness later that night. Hospital sources stated that her prognosis, complications, and medical limitations had been clearly communicated to the family beforehand. Tensions flared when the news of her death was formally conveyed. A mob soon gathered at the hospital and turned violent, attacking staff and destroying property. Amith Mankal, one of the attending doctors, was physically assaulted during the chaos. His shirt was torn and his mobile phone, which contained video recordings of counselling sessions with the patient's family, was snatched. Hospital records, including case sheets and consent forms, were damaged in the violence. Rammohan, President of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Palamuru and Vice President of IMA Telangana, was also targeted during the attack. According to IMA members, he was beaten with footwear in full view of hospital staff and bystanders. The hospital management has lodged a formal police complaint, and an investigation is currently underway. Condemning the assault, the IMA Palamuru chapter has demanded legal action against those involved. The association has called for the attackers to be booked under the Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, a special law meant to deter violence against healthcare workers. It has also urged the State government to ensure proper security measures at both public and private hospitals. On July 16, a delegation from IMA Telangana visited Mahabubnagar to attend Praja Charcha Sabha Vedika, a public forum hosted by the local chapter. Addressing the gathering, IMA Telangana President Dwarkanath Reddy described the incident as a grim reminder of the vulnerability faced by doctors today. 'There are many reasons why a patient dies, especially in terminal cases. Doctors work under immense pressure and with limited options. No doctor treats a patient with the intention of causing harm. This violence should serve as a wake-up call to society. Those responsible must be held accountable,' he said. V. Ashok, General Secretary of IMA Telangana, appealed to the public to seek redress through legal means rather than resort to violence. 'We are not above accountability. If anyone feels medical care was inadequate, there are courts, there are legal forums. But don't raise your hand against us,' he said.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Docs in Assam highlight urgent need for workplace safety
Guwahati: On Doctor's Day, the poignant theme "Behind the Mask: Who Heals the Healers?" casts a spotlight on the mental health struggles of medical practitioners. In Assam, healthcare professionals are voicing an urgent call for robust support systems, particularly emphasizing the need for protection against physical attacks during their duty hours. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While the theme underscores the mental and emotional hurdles doctors face, they assert that a secure work environment is crucial for their mental well-being. Medical organizations, including the Indian Medical Association (IMA), stress the importance of nurturing a supportive atmosphere, especially in light of the repeated incidents of violence against doctors in Assam's rural areas over the years. Healthcare professionals are advocating for a central legislation to tackle violence, proposing a link between the Assam Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, 2011, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) provisions to ensure stringent punishment for offenders. "Doctors encounter numerous challenges in their professional lives. Almost every doctor experiences some form of violence or difficulty during their career, whether it's physical violence, verbal abuse, or offensive language over the phone. These challenges create mental dilemmas that impact their professional skills and careers," explained Dr Satyajit Borah, a respected senior doctor from Tezpur. He pointed out that doctors often work eight-hour shifts, sometimes extending late into the night. "They make significant sacrifices, while others in different professions of their age enjoy leisure. They also sacrifice family life and recreational activities. If society cannot ensure their well-being, it is truly unfortunate," he said. "We have lost many colleagues prematurely due to acute myocardial infections, and suicides are not uncommon. Doctors are notoriously bad at being patients themselves, so their health is paramount. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Society must also care for doctors to enable them to provide effective healthcare services," Borah added, emphasizing the need for attention to both physical and mental well-being to maintain a healthy environment. Despite over 20 states having legislation against violence in healthcare establishments, its effectiveness is questioned by medical professionals. Borah, who led IMA's Assam chapter during some of the state's most severe assaults on doctors, insisted that medical organizations are pushing for centralized legislation to ensure nationwide consistency, a demand that should be met. IMA's honorary state secretary, Dr Atul Kumar Kalita, called for strict enforcement of the state's 2011 Act, which prescribes three-year imprisonment and fines up to Rs 50,000. "Recently, we've been advocating that all serious cases of violence against doctors should be expedited in fast-track courts. These cases should be linked to BNS, and investigating authorities need to be aware of this. Thorough investigation and trial can deter those who target doctors," he said. Dr Arunima Goswami highlighted awareness as a critical issue. "In some areas, doctors work under pressure because many are unaware that if they are assaulted, the perpetrators can be arrested. Many people are also unaware of these provisions, leading to assaults on doctors and subsequent legal troubles," she said. Recent notable incidents include the assault on Dr Seuj Kumar Senapati at Udali Covid Care Centre in Hojai district, which led to over 20 arrests. Previously, in 2019, Dr Deben Dutta tragically succumbed to injuries after being attacked with sharp weapons at Teok Tea Estate hospital in Jorhat district, an incident that sparked nationwide outrage.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Violence against doctors: Punjab finally moves to secure govt hospitals
1 2 Chandigarh: After prolonged inaction and mounting pressure from the medical fraternity, Punjab govt has finally begun implementing long-promised security measures to protect healthcare workers. The decision comes in the wake of a disturbing surge in violence against doctors and medical staff at govt hospitals — a crisis that eroded morale and endangered lives on the frontlines of public healthcare. Despite repeated assurances over the past year, frontline medical professionals continued to face physical assaults and verbal abuse, particularly during night shifts, in govt-run hospitals. The combination of insufficient security, staffing shortages, and rising patient aggression left doctors and paramedics operating in a climate of fear. According to data compiled by the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA), over 50 cases of violence against doctors were reported from govt hospitals across Punjab in the past year. Amritsar emerged as the worst-hit district with six such incidents, followed by Hoshiarpur and Pathankot (five each), Moga (four), and Gurdaspur, Nawanshahr, Muktsar, Ludhiana, and Patiala (three each). Several other districts, including Mohali, Tarn Taran, Jalandhar, Bathinda and Barnala, also reported multiple cases. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pessoas com dores no joelho devem fazer isto à noite Saude News Saiba Mais Undo PCMSA, which persistently advocated for urgent intervention, pushed the govt to act. Following its sustained campaign, including a strike last year, the govt committed to deploying round-the-clock security personnel at all hospitals handling medicolegal cases by Sept 9, 2024. However, the deadline lapsed without implementation. Under renewed pressure, the health department has now directed all civil surgeons to furnish detailed reports by Jun 9 on incidents of violence from the past two years, as well as corresponding police actions taken. The move is part of groundwork to operationalise the Punjab Protection of Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, 2008, which provides a legal framework to safeguard healthcare workers against assaults and vandalism. A govt proposal to deploy CCTV cameras and trained security personnel at public health facilities is currently under active consideration. PCMSA had earlier suggested a cost-effective model, recommending outsourced guards at DC wage rates (around Rs 13,500 per month), scaled according to hospital size — 20 guards for district hospitals, six for sub-divisional hospitals, and four for community health centres offering 24x7 medicolegal services. Despite several meetings with govt officials, including a cabinet sub-committee headed by finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema, implementation was repeatedly delayed. It was only during a follow-up meeting on April 14, 2025 — involving health minister Dr Balbir Singh, principal health secretary Kumar Rahul, and Cheema — that the finance department reportedly agreed to deploy guards through PESCO, an organisation comprising ex-servicemen. Dr Akhil Sarin, president of PCMSA, welcomed the step, but cautioned that urgency is paramount. "A disturbing pattern of violence emerged against doctors and medical staff at govt facilities. We can no longer afford delays. The state must ensure immediate implementation of security arrangements," he said. He said the spotlight is now on the govt to translate its promises into concrete protection measures — before another incident adds to the growing list of victims. Recent Incidents of Violence A series of disturbing incidents of violence were reported at civil hospitals in Gurdaspur, Derabassi, and Hoshiarpur during April, raising serious concerns about the safety of healthcare staff and patients. On April 12, an altercation erupted at Gurdaspur civil hospital when two groups brought their fight into the emergency ward. The clash led to significant property damage and forced both doctors and patients to flee for safety. Just a day before, Derabassi civil hospital witnessed a similar incident. A clash between two groups led to chaos, with reports of vandalism and hospital staff locking themselves inside rooms to avoid harm. Eleven individuals were said to have been injured in the incident. MSID:: 121693014 413 |
