Panel of experts urges stronger measures to protect healthcare professionals

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: In a thought-provoking panel discussion on September 23, 2023, healthcare experts and law enforcement officials came together to address the pressing issue of violence against healthcare professionals in India. The discussion, held at the 19th HXMDP at Hotel Vivanta by AIIMS, Jammu, shed light on the gravity of the problem and outlined comprehensive recommendations to tackle this growing concern. A group of healthcare experts, law enforcement officials, and esteemed panelists gathered to address the alarming issue of violence against healthcare professionals in India.
The discussion was graced by the presence of notable figures in the field, including international consumer policy expert Prof.Bejon Kumar Mishra, SulemanChaudhary, IPS, DIG, J&K, and prominent healthcare professionals from AIIMS, Jammu, among others.
During the session, Dr.Kshitija Singh, the moderator, set the stage by emphasizing the necessity for greater awareness and understanding of the escalating violence faced by healthcare professionals in India.
She presented a detailed overview of the current scenario, delved into the root causes of the issue, and analyzed the nature of the violence and its far-reaching impact. Real-life case studies provided a compelling backdrop to the discussions.
Prof. Bejon Kumar Mishra took the floor to underscore the critical importance of healthcare professionals striking a delicate balance between their multifaceted responsibilities, particularly in government hospitals. He stressed that, under no circumstances, should the quality of healthcare be compromised and called for unwavering accountability, transparency, and an unswerving commitment to patient welfare.
SulemanChaudhary, IPS, DIG, J&K, shared insights into the preparedness of the police force in dealing with cases of violence against healthcare workers. He emphasized the necessity for robust safety and security strategies within hospitals and urged citizens to report incidents, highlighting their paramount responsibility in such situations.
Dr. Dinesh Rao, HOD Forensic Medicine at AIIMS, Jammu, provided an in-depth exploration of the existing laws and acts pertaining to violence against healthcare professionals and healthcare institutions.
He stressed the pivotal role of administrators in both preventing and effectively addressing incidents of violence. He further called for more robust legal responses to such cases. Lt Gen (Dr.) Sunil Kant, SM, VSM (Retd.), highlighted the significance of incorporating soft skills and communication curriculum in medical education. He underlined the responsibility of institutions in offering support, including litigation assistance and comprehensive medical insurance coverage, to safeguard healthcare employees. Harbans Nagokay proposed the establishment of media cells within healthcare facilities to enhance doctor-patient communication and improve the overall public perception of healthcare providers. He stressed the need for positive information dissemination directly from healthcare institutions.
Dr.Sunaina delved into the substantial resources required for patients in intensive care units (ICUs) and underscored the importance of maintaining honest and continuous communication between doctors and patients.
The panel concluded the discussion by presenting a series of recommendations aimed at curbing violence against healthcare professionals. These recommendations included enhanced security measures, institutional support for litigation and medical insurance, improved communication skills and empathy among healthcare workers, stringent legal action against perpetrators, the introduction of central laws to address violence against healthcare professionals, increased healthcare sector funding, dedicated police desks for handling such cases, and provision of legal assistance to doctors who have been victimized.
This panel discussion served as a pivotal platform for addressing the growing menace of violence against healthcare professionals, offering a concrete roadmap toward creating safer environments for those dedicated to saving lives.