On August 9, just days before India celebrates its independence, a horrific incident occurred. A postgraduate trainee doctor was found brutally murdered and raped in the seminar hall of RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata. This tragic event has sparked widespread protests and outrage among the medical community and the general public.
Dr. Nivedita Pandey, a senior gastroenterologist and hepatologist, says, “The tragedy with our country is that we all wake up and recognize the severity of safety issues only when something like this happens.” She adds, “It is a stark reminder that our current systems are woefully inadequate in protecting those who dedicate their lives to serving others.”
This observation is supported by an ongoing study by the Indian Medical Association, which reveals that more than 75% of doctors have experienced violence at work. Reports include abuse, bullying, manhandling, and even killings by patients’ relatives. The situation is even more alarming for female doctors, who face frequent instances of sexual harassment and abuse in the healthcare sector.
In the Kolkata case, the shortcomings of India’s legal system are glaring. The police failed to complete the investigation, and the case was transferred to the CBI. Dr. Himanshu Sharma, a senior resident doctor and several other medical professionals are “deeply disturbed” and “heartbroken,” feeling that it could have happened to anyone. Despite the arrest of Sanjay Roy, a civil volunteer suspected of the crime, Sharma believes the case has been mishandled. From the assistant superintendent of the hospital informing the victim’s parents that their daughter died by suicide to the renovation work near the crime scene, which could destroy evidence, there appear to be signs of a cover-up. Additionally, the discovery of 150 mg of semen in the victim’s body during the autopsy suggests that more than one perpetrator might be involved.
Compounding the situation, the treatment of the case by hospital authorities and other medical institutions has been problematic. The principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Dr. Sandip Ghosh, called the victim “irresponsible” for going to the seminar hall alone at night. Similarly, Silchar Medical College and Hospital in Assam issued a sexist advisory imposing significant restrictions on female members of the college, such as avoiding isolated areas or not going out late at night, without placing any responsibility on the institution for necessary reforms.
In response, doctors and working professionals are calling for stricter safety measures in workplaces. Shreya Sharma, a lawyer and founder of Rest the Case, advocates for the implementation of the ‘Prevention of Violence Against Healthcare Professionals and Clinical Establishment Bill, 2022.’ “Current laws do not adequately address the unique risks faced by these professionals, highlighting the need for enhanced protections. The necessity of enacting this bill is underscored by the increasing frequency of violence against healthcare workers,” Sharma says. “The bill seeks to deter violence through stringent penalties and the implementation of security measures within healthcare facilities. By establishing support systems, including compensation for victims, and ensuring efficient legal processes through special courts, the bill aims to provide comprehensive protection and justice.”
What measures can ensure the safety of doctors, especially females?
Several safety measures can be implemented to protect healthcare professionals working in hospitals and clinics. Shiv Pratap Singh Bhadauria, an advocate at HAQ, explains, “Hospitals can adopt zero-tolerance policies and protocols against violence and harassment, with clear guidelines and procedures for reporting and addressing incidents. Additionally, establishing a network of professionals to provide counselling and legal support to those who have faced harassment and violence is crucial.”
Dr. Pandey also calls for infrastructural changes to enhance safety for female staff in medical institutions. “We need to ensure that every corridor has adequate lighting, hallways are monitored by CCTV cameras, and there are sufficient gender-specific changing rooms.” Moreover, she emphasizes the need for well-trained security guards capable of managing and anticipating problems.
Additionally, Sandy Khanda, a social activist, urges the Health Ministry to create a contact and help center specifically for female doctors where they can report issues such as bullying, sexual assault, and threats in their workplaces. “Such initiatives will be instrumental in preventing incidents like these while safeguarding the lives of female doctors in India,” he concludes.