For our doctors

This is not for the first time that violence has taken place against doctors. Most of such incidents have occurred in Maharashtra. The violent incidents in Bengal got highlighted because the political atmosphere was already surcharged and the chief minister's approach to the whole incident was rather precarious. A few words of sympathy and assurance of inquiry into the whole incident were needed. No one can work in an atmosphere of uncertainty, particularly so when it comes to treating a person which requires a lot of concentration, care, and empathy. Persistent resistance by the medical fraternity and the support of senior doctors to the junior colleagues made the chief Minister realise that she was on the wrong path. The situation is now defused and doctors are back to work. But this has left several questions which need deep introspection.

What are the reasons for such repeated acts of violence, what are the immediate measures required to prevent such acts, what are the long-term solutions to ameliorate the situation?

When the death of a near and dear occurs there can be an emotional outburst. This does not in any way mean that persons should resort to violence. There are several ways to redress grievances. One must realise that state hospitals lack infrastructure and good governance. In most of the state-run hospitals, young doctors are overworked. Sometimes they have to work continuously for up to 36 hours or more. This puts them under a lot of stress and strain. These young doctors do not have time to explain the seriousness of the condition of the patient to the attendants in details. In the absence of a senior colleague, there is a trust deficit which becomes an irritating point for the attendants. Whatever the reason, society has to understand that those giving treatments are trained to heal, not to kill. As medical students, they are taught to be modest and sympathetic. Error is human. Barring a few black sheep, negligences is not a rule but an exception. As negligence cannot be condoned, neither is the violence as a reaction to it justified.

A national level law against violence on doctors can be a strong deterrent. But many times those perpetrating violence are ignorant of laws. Such a law may reduce the number of incidents but will not put an end to it completely. Despite such a law, the state of Maharashtra has been witnessing such violent attacks. For violence to come down substantially, there is a need to strengthen the doctor-patient relationship. It is a very pious one based on faith towards each other. Society has to realise that there are limitations for doctors. Our health care facilities in the state sector lack the required infrastructure. With a meagre 1.1 per cent of the GDP spending on health in the public sector, the working conditions are not going to improve. Such issues must be shared by doctors with the public. This will integrate them with society.

Many doctors live in a shell without mixing with the common man. The doctors must react to the patients' concerns. Unfortunately not many medical bodies have reacted to deaths in Muzaffarpur, nor did they do at the time of deaths in Gorakhpur. Such issues should be our primary concerns. Medicos should be in the front rows to help the needy in the event of natural calamities. Such gestures help to remove negative feelings in society about medical professionals.

Medicine is a passion and service. Not denying the fact that a doctor has to earn, the medical profession cannot be made a ruthless profit-making commercial business as it has become after the entry of corporate sector which view it as a means to reap huge profits. This is the failure of the state. The vast majority of our population cannot afford treatment in the private sector and have therefore to depend on state sector only.

Because of poor spending on health by the government the patients have to shelve money from their pockets. Nearly 40 per cent of the patients have to borrow for their treatment. No wonder 6.3 crore people of our country are pushed below the poverty line because of the out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare. The high cost of treatment in the private sector, particularly in corporate hospitals has even started affecting the middle classes. There is an urgent need to make an inclusive healthcare policy.

Somehow violence is becoming a culture in our country. Calling ourselves followers of Buddha, Guru Nanak and Gandhi, we have seen violence to the extreme in 1984, 2002 and now in the form of vigilantes and mob lynching. Some lawmakers have been issuing very irresponsible statements in the past and rewarding those involved in mob lynching. Those at the helms of affairs should show more responsible behaviour. If violence is eulogised then it becomes a part of the psyche which does not spare anyone.

(The views expressed are strictly personal)