Nobody expects fearlessness as a job requirement when they choose the medical profession, and no hospital job profile quotes combat skills as necessary requirements for being a doctor! I am distressed by the current state of affairs with reference to resident doctors, the medical profession, and the issue of security of hospitals. I think it’s a reflection of immense intolerance that is prevalent in our society.
That is not the only area which needs attention however. The costs of health care are escalating, and there are not enough provisions from the government to make high quality healthcare more inclusive to all.
Common people feel helpless in this situation. They are frustrated by what they perhaps see as inferior care for their loved ones, angry about the lethargy in the system, or the lack of sensitivity from doctors and hospitals. And they may then target harmless medicos. This can only result in chaos.
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Incidents of violence are a menace to both the public and the private sector. We will have to adopt different measures while considering security measures for public hospitals vis a vis private nursing homes and clinics.
The direct measures (see box) should be considered for implementation.
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Dr. Sanjay Oak is CEO of the Prince Aly Khan Hospital. He was formerly dean of KEM Hospital and director of the major BMC hospitals, King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEM), Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital (Sion Hospital) and BYL Nair Charitable Hospital