From a Correspondent
New Delhi June 29,
Doctors day is observed every year in India on 1st July. It happens to be the birth and death anniversary of doyen of Medical Profession Dr B C Roy. It is the day to emphasise the value of doctors in the society and to recognize their contribution in individual lives and communities. Doctor patient relationship is based on trust, loyalty and respect. We have seen unprecedented violence against medical professionals in last few years, resulting in mistrust and ultimately more suffering for innocent patient. Doctors do their best to end the suffering of patient but end result is not in their hands. But for any un favourable outcome people take law into their hands and resort to violence. This ultimately hampers the treatment to other patients as well. It should not be tolerated in any civilized society. To highlight the concern and steps required to end violence against doctors, Indian Medical Association (IMA) is organizing mass awareness program on the occasion of Doctors day on July 1st, 2019 through its 1700 branches across the country involving different sections of the society. IMA’s theme for this year doctors day is “Safety in hospitals is every one’s concern. Say No to violence “ Dr. Santanu Sen, the National President of IMA will inaugurate the programme at IMA hq in Delhi. He will also unveil a mosaic mural of Dr B C Roy.
IMA expects Government of India to declare hospitals as safe zones which includes 3 Layer security, CCTV cameras, restriction of visitors etc. The fear of violence is still present in all medical colleges and other major hospitals. All the local branches and individual members of Indian Medical Association have sent an appeal to the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister, demanding a central Act on violence against the doctors and hospital staff.
Healthcare violence has its origin in lack of infrastructure and inadequate human resources. Issues of medical profession involving doctor-patient relationship and effective communication also play an important role. Exemplary punishment for the perpetrators of violence should be a component of the central law and suitable amendments should be brought into the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and code of criminal procedure (CrPc)”Said Dr Narendra Saini, Past Hony. Secretary General, IMA.
IMA’s movement against violence will continue till achieving safety in our hospitals. Doctors Day across India will be marked by a blood donation movement. IMA hqs also will conduct a blood donation camp in its building in I.P. Marg, New Delhi. A formal commemoration meeting will start at 6 PM. All are invited.
