A rise in violence against medical professionals in Chandigarh, Punjab, has made the situation for government doctors there more worrisome. More than a dozen assault instances have been reported in the last two months, especially after a well-known event at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital. No real steps have been taken on the ground, despite promises made by the Punjab government, led by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), about improved security measures and the introduction of Dynamic Assured Career Progressions (DACPs).
One of the recent occurrences was the October 20 assault on a doctor at the Civil Hospital in Jalandhar, where an inebriated person harassed female staff members in addition to attacking the doctor who was on night duty. Another incident took place at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Dhakoli, when a female doctor and her colleagues were forced to lock themselves in a room until the police arrived due to a conflict between two groups.
The Punjab Civil Medical Services (PCMS) Association has responded to these growing concerns by stating that doctors may turn to protests if the government fails to meet its obligations within the allotted period. The association’s president, Dr. Akhil Sarin, reported that the state health secretary received a letter asking for a meeting to discuss security measures. The association was given written guarantees at a prior meeting with a cabinet subcommittee on September 11 that the DACP would be put into effect within 12 weeks and that thorough security measures would be put in place at all 24/7 health centers within a week. But after over six weeks, there has been no discernible improvement.
The DACP program is especially noteworthy since it offers government physicians financial perks and higher pay scales, which can greatly enhance their working conditions and morale. In addition to recommending a certain number of security guards based on the facility’s size—ten guards for a 200-bed hospital during the day and four during the night shifts—the PCMS Association has called for a comprehensive assessment of security needs at healthcare facilities. It also recommends adequate security for smaller centers.
In order to improve safety, the association has also recommended installing CCTV cameras, visiting cards, and improved lighting around hospital grounds. The doctors had previously temporarily halted outpatient department (OPD) services on September 14 in protest, but they returned to work after being reassured by Dr. Balbir Singh, the state health minister. The government is under increasing pressure to respond effectively as the issue develops, highlighting the pressing need for better safety protocols for Punjab’s healthcare workforce.
SOURCE :
INDIAN EXPRESS
