Doctors in India have been given the stature of God, however, treated otherwise. We all bow our heads towards the consistent sacrifice and earnest energy they put in saving the lives of their patients. But what when they fail in saving a soul? Should we blame them for the loss, abuse and hit. Doctors are there to not only save but also to advise us to lead a healthy life. Despite all the professional skills they are still humans and can not only commit mistakes but have no magic wands to bring back a dead man alive.
When in 2020, WHO declared an outbreak of a severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus, it was doctors and healthcare workers who responded to this global health crisis. They did not know how this virus attacks the human body neither were fully equipped to tackle the challenge that was ahead of them.
Doctors and healthcare workers took charge by not only trying to save individuals, families, communities and debunking myths under harsh circumstances with stretched resource shortage of PPE kits, medicines and other essential medical equipment have found themselves to be an unexpected target in the fight of the Covid-19.
Reports of violence on doctors and medical staff had increased since the country went into a pandemic induced lockdown. On April 8, 2020, two trainee doctors in Delhi were assaulted by neighbours thinking they would spread the disease, while on April 19, 2020, the burial of a neurosurgeon who had died after contracting COVID-19 in Chennai was disrupted by a mob who attacked the undertakers. The mob opposed the burial due to a misconception that the contagious virus might spread in the neighbourhood if the surgeon was buried there. The second wave of Covid in India too saw some brutal physical attacks on doctors where the kin of the deceased was seen thrashing and beating the doctors and barraging the hospital.
Reports of violence against doctors and healthcare personnel did occur in the country, however, has increased manifold given the ignorance and fear of the pandemic. The reason behind it could vary from fear, anxiety, misinformation about the disease, mistrust in healthcare workers skills and misleading facts about the disease on social media. Lack of sufficient facilities, infrastructure and modern equipment in government hospitals and private hospitals beyond the reach of many making it difficult for them to reach medical aid results in an aggressive response from relatives.
Health professionals are now recognised as new untouchables and people panic that they might contract the infection from them as they are the most vulnerable to it. Lack of sleep, abuse, no added benefits from the state despite the risk their lives pose the stigma, all have caused serious mental trauma to the medical community. They are not only overburdened but are working under uncertain situations without getting the respect and protection they deserve. Junior doctors are unpaid for several months, while the rate of vaccination for them is also not at par. Meanwhile, the Indian Medical Association has said that around 800 doctors have lost their lives due to Covid during the second wave and families allege that they haven't received any assistance from the government. There have been reports of doctors committing suicide being unable to take the stress.
Today, on July 1, the country celebrates National Doctors Day. Not only today but we do put our sincere gratitude towards every unconditional service they provide to the people. But horrific conditions they work in knowing the risk and the assaults are appalling.
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Though there are ways and strategies through which the brutal act against the healthcare community could be converted.
Better communication with patients families
Better and timely communication with grieving patients and their family members is the key solution to avert any violence and ugly instances towards doctors. While maintaining Covid protocols and the shortage of time often leads to verbal and direct miscommunication between the doctors and patients causing much damage during the pandemic. This keeps the family unspecified without answers. Social workers and counsellors by the hospitals can coordinate with the family regularly to subside any fears.
Role of social media.
Print and digital media can play a significant role in speeding positive information regarding the healthcare system rather than sensationalistic stories about medical carelessness and malpractice. The extensive news coverage about Covid has intensified anxiety and apprehensions among the Indian masses. Social media platforms can help spread details and start a campaign to educate people about the disease, diagnosis, spread, containment and prevention strategies against COVID-19 transmission.
Law enforcement.
The government should start to take steps to protect the healthcare professionals and provide self and defence training to fight any mob assault. The law-making bodies should see that proper rules are enforced guaranteeing their safety.
Education and primary health care.
Education of people and access to vital medical services may reduce the violent cases against doctors. Improving public health education and practice; teaching prevention of infection, maintaining hygiene in preventing communicable disease. Healthcare workers should be intensively trained to deliver healthcare programmes and a sense of support should come in from people to support them. Establishments of primary healthcare communities in local areas can also make people access important services easily.
Telehealth has a role to play.
Telehealth can bring positive changes. With the emergence of the Covid pandemic, Telehealth access to doctors from anywhere has become easy and quick. This reduces face to face contact with patients and therefore, may decrease the physical attack on the doctors so some limit. This may make the patients caregivers a little more well behaved and can prevent verbal abuse and physical threats.
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The exacerbated pandemic has caused the healthcare staff to become the target of people's aggression which can be handled by incorporating strict laws and providing them safety so that every individual can carry their duty without being in fear. Sensitising people about the service doctors are performing under what hazardous conditions and how they too suffer mentally can make the situation far more relaxing. It is the responsibility of not only the authorities but also people to make them feel accepted and acknowledged for the unconditional service they are providing to mankind.