Recent strike by doctors, after bruital rape and murder of resident doctor of R.G. Kar Medical College, Kolkata taken cognizance by the Hon'ble Supreme Court of Inida and M.P. High Court (Jabalpur Bench) and it is hoped that some positive solution may come out on the issue of safety and security of medical satff and patient community in India.
There is a need for all concerned stakeholders to discuss and debate on this important issue of immense public interest to bring some positive outcome acceptable to all including patient community which is main sufferer of strike, especially poor patients in need of healthcare. Article 21 of the Indian Constituion come into picture for protection of patient community, especially when there is emergency. The Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquettes and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, regulate conduct of medical professionals, through concerned state medical councils and the National Medical Commission/ Ethics and Medical Registration Board.
few things need to change. E.g. the charter of duties of the head of the hospitals needs to include "Safety and security of all within the hospital premises". This must be non-negotiable.
On their part NMC can include it in Head of the Institution's charter. Similarly it must be mandated by all state govts for their hospitals.
The Head needs to be personally responsible for safety and security of everyone within the hospital - Staff, patients and visitors and must be tasked to implement any and all measures as necessary.
All those external to the hospital - Govt, ministers, police etc come much later.
