No Slap On The Wrist
Politicians who attack doctors should be punished strictly
A shocking video from Thane shows a local politician and his supporters attacking doctors inside a hospital. Sadly, this is not the first such case. Similar attacks on doctors have happened in many parts of India, including West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. According to a survey by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), more than 75% of doctors have faced some kind of violence while doing their jobs.
Many people get angry because government hospitals are overcrowded and don’t have enough doctors, beds or staff. But these problems are caused by the healthcare system, not by individual doctors. Doctors work hard to help patients, often for 24 to 36 hours without proper rest. It is unfair to blame or attack them for problems they cannot control.
After people protested, the politician in the Thane case was arrested. Ironically, he then admitted himself to a hospital, while the doctors he allegedly attacked are now scared. One doctor has reportedly resigned, and another is thinking about leaving the medical profession. This shows how violence can drive good doctors away.
Maharashtra already has a law to protect healthcare workers from violence. However, such laws are useful only if they are enforced properly. People who attack doctors should face strict punishment. If the attackers are elected representatives, the punishment should be even stronger because they are expected to set a good example, not misuse their power. Instead of blaming doctors, politicians should work to improve hospitals and healthcare services.
Disclaimer
Views expressed above are the author’s own.
