A recent stabbing incident involving an oncologist in Chennai has reignited concerns over the safety of medical professionals in India’s overcrowded and underfunded healthcare system. Thousands of doctors staged strikes across the nation to demand stronger workplace protections after Dr. Balaji Jaganathan was attacked by a patient’s relative upset about his mother’s treatment. Though the doctor survived and is stable, the incident highlights a growing crisis.
This is not an isolated case. Earlier this year, protests erupted after the rape and murder of a trainee doctor, known as “Abhaya,” in Kolkata. Both incidents have underscored the urgent need for robust security measures in hospitals. Doctors are now calling for the implementation of the Central Protection Act (CPA), a proposed federal law to safeguard medical professionals. However, progress has been slow, leaving healthcare workers feeling vulnerable.
A survey conducted after Abhaya’s death revealed alarming statistics: 78% of healthcare workers reported threats at work, and 63% felt unsafe during night shifts, particularly in government hospitals. Many doctors recount incidents of verbal abuse and physical violence. In one Delhi hospital, armed individuals stormed a delivery room, assaulting staff and destroying equipment, yet calls for increased security have gone unanswered.
The Supreme Court of India has taken notice, forming a national task force to improve hospital safety. Recommendations include installing CCTV cameras, providing night transport, and enhancing staff facilities. However, the lack of concrete action has frustrated medical professionals.
West Bengal’s controversial response to Abhaya’s murder—advising female doctors to avoid night shifts—was met with outrage. Critics argue such measures undermine gender equality and fail to address systemic issues. Doctors demand meaningful reforms to restore their confidence and ensure safe working conditions.
The problem is exacerbated by a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:834, surpassing the World Health Organization’s recommended standard. This imbalance, coupled with a shortage of rural hospitals, places immense pressure on urban healthcare centers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these strains became more evident, with overwhelmed hospitals facing unprecedented challenges.
Doctors assert that the lack of safety measures has eroded their trust in the system. “Hospitals were once our safe haven, but that’s no longer true,” said a Delhi-based physician. As medical professionals continue to advocate for change, they urge both state and central governments to act decisively. Until then, the fear of violence remains a daily reality for India’s healthcare workers. The recent attacks underscore an urgent message: safeguarding those who save lives is not just a priority—it’s a necessity.
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