New Delhi: Demanding an absolute end to the violent episodes against the healthcare providers, the Indian Medical Association conducted a National seminar in New Delhi. The seminar was inaugurated by the Hon. LG Anil Baijal.
Speaking on the occasion he said” Medical profession stands at the top in the list of serving humanity, but with shifting times we are facing a paradigm shift in the doctor patient relationship. Better understanding and realistic expectations from the patients will only lead to an improved doctor patient relationship along with empathy from the doctors. Aggression and impatience along with anger and agitation, among the young generation is solely responsible for the declining doctor patient relationship.”
It still is a noble profession, but the basic trust on doctors needs to be restored. Consent plays a pivotal role in doctor patient relationship and this relationship requires delicate handling in today’s age. More proactive compliance to a strong code of ethics will ensure that justice is done. The theme of the conference is well timed and will be helpful in solving the issue.
“To state emphatically, violence too has no place and no reason can justify any sort of threat or intimidation to the medical professionals by the patients and their families. According to a recent Global study, Doctors consultation in India on an average is less than two minutes for diagnosis and prescription. Such a short duration cannot establish any meaningful relation between the doctor and patient, which is one of the biggest problems that need to be resolved.” Added LG Baijal
IMA has also resolved zero tolerance to any sort of violence against the fraternity and has expressed serious concern about inexcusable and shameful inhuman attacks on doctors, nurses & hospital staff.
“The healthcare professionals in India are the worst sufferers because of healthcare violence. It is beyond any doubt that the stress in the workplace have started affecting the quality of healthcare & acceptance of patients in indoor set ups. Doctors are living in fearful environment in their workplace. The serving healthcare community is in anger in spite of their professional work for patients’ health. The refusal of serious patients in hospitals will be ultimate result all across & which will not be good for the health of the country.” Said Dr Ravi Wankhedkar, National President IMA
The violence against medical fraternity has complex root causes & need to be addressed by all concerned wherein Government need to play important role. While our medical fraternity is taking onus of healthcare from government, the onus of protection of the serving fraternity lies with the Government.
“The situation in India has reached a critical stage and warrants immediate intervention from the Government by bringing in a strong & effective Central Medicare Act. 17 states have legislations against violence on doctors & hospitals. But the poor implementation, inadequate knowledge of police personnel, weak clauses makes these state Medicare acts absolute ineffective. The poor & ineffective state of Medicare acts make is mandatory to bring in the central act immediately.” Said Dr Vinay Aggarwal, Past National President, IMA
“IMA has advocated the ethical practice, healthy communications with patients, relatives & proactive measures like transparency in charges, Counsellors in hospital premises etc. Patient support Groups, Grievance Redressal Mechanisms, patients’ rights & responsibilities are being implemented. But at any cost the violence against fraternity cannot be accepted in civilized society. IMA advocates policy of “React, Respond, Regulate & Reach out” for the fraternity to counter the violence.” Added Dr RN Tandon, Hony. Secretary General, IMA.
