New Delhi: The safety of doctors, especially during night shifts, has once again come under scrutiny following a disturbing incident at RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata. A recent study by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has highlighted that doctors are not only unsafe on the streets but also within the confines of hospitals.
Key Findings from the IMA Survey
The IMA conducted a comprehensive survey involving 3,885 doctors across India, revealing that over 35% of them, predominantly female doctors, feel unsafe or very unsafe during night shifts. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for improved security measures in hospitals.
Incident Triggering the Survey
The survey was prompted by a tragic incident involving the rape and murder of a trainee female doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. This incident has sparked widespread concern about the safety of medical professionals, particularly during night shifts.
Detailed Survey Insights
- Lack of Duty Rooms: 45% of doctors reported not having access to a duty room during night shifts. Those who did have access often found the rooms overcrowded, lacking privacy, and sometimes without locks.
- Security Concerns: 24.1% of doctors feel unsafe, and 11.4% feel very unsafe. Female doctors reported higher levels of fear compared to their male counterparts.
- Age Factor: Younger doctors, particularly those aged 20 to 30, reported feeling less fearful. This group includes a significant number of interns and postgraduate trainees.
- Inadequate Facilities: Many duty rooms lacked basic amenities such as attached bathrooms, forcing doctors to venture out late at night.
Recommendations for Improved Safety
Doctors have proposed several measures to enhance their safety, including:
- Increasing the number of trained security personnel.
- Installing CCTV cameras and ensuring adequate lighting.
- Implementing the Central Security Act (CPA).
- Limiting the number of visitors.
- Installing alarm systems and providing secure duty rooms with locks.
Survey Methodology
The survey, led by Dr. Rajiv Jayadevan, Chairman of the Research Cell at Kerala State IMA, was conducted online using Google Forms. Responses were collected from doctors across more than 22 states within 24 hours. The findings will be published in the October 2024 issue of the Kerala Medical Journal.
This extensive survey, the largest ever conducted by the IMA, highlights the pressing need for systemic changes to ensure the safety and well-being of doctors, particularly during vulnerable night shifts.
