New Delhi, Aug 29: A recent survey conducted by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has brought to light alarming concerns about Indian doctor during night shifts in hospitals across India. According to the survey, one-third of doctors reported feeling unsafe during night duties, with significant gaps in the availability of secure duty rooms and adequate security measures. The findings come amid nationwide protests and a service shutdown by doctors’ organisations following the tragic rape-murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata’s R.G. Kar Hospital.
Survey Details and Key Findings
The survey, carried out by the IMA’s Kerala unit earlier this month, gathered responses from 3,885 doctors working in both public and private health facilities across 22 states and Union Territories. Notably, 80% of the respondents were junior doctors, who are most often assigned to night duties. The survey revealed that 24.1% of doctors felt ‘unsafe’ and another 11.4% felt ‘very unsafe’ while on night duty. The sense of insecurity was notably higher among female doctors.
Moreover, the survey highlighted a significant lack of duty rooms, with 45% of respondents reporting no access to such facilities during night shifts. Even where duty rooms were available, they were often overcrowded, lacked privacy, and had inadequate security features, forcing doctors to find alternative rest areas. One-third of available duty rooms did not have an attached bathroom, and 53% were located far from the ward or casualty area, further exacerbating the sense of insecurity.
Workplace Violence and Inadequate Security
The issue of workplace violence in healthcare settings is not new. A 2017 IMA study found that over 75% of doctors in India have experienced workplace violence, with 69.5% of resident doctors encountering violence while at work. The new survey reiterates these findings, noting that exposure to violence leads to fear, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder among doctors.
The report also highlights glaring gaps in hospital security. Many doctors expressed concerns that hospitals often employ low-wage security personnel who are ill-equipped to handle confrontations, with some describing these guards as “weak and frail individuals who themselves seemed to need protection.” In high-risk areas like casualty and ICU lobbies, where skirmishes are common, doctors have suggested employing ex-servicemen or bouncers as security guards. Some women doctors also indicated the need for female security personnel and recommended establishing police check posts on hospital campuses.
Government Response and Recommendations
In response to the growing concerns about the safety of healthcare professionals, the Union Health Ministry has taken steps to address the issue. Following the constitution of a national task force under the Supreme Court’s instruction, the ministry has issued a series of recommendations to states aimed at enhancing security in hospitals. These include:
- Displaying state laws for healthcare workers’ protection and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with punitive or penalty details in conspicuous places.
- Establishing ‘Hospital Security Committees’ and ‘Violence Prevention Committees’ involving senior doctors and administrative officers.
- Regulating public access to key hospital areas and enforcing strict visitor pass policies for patient attendants.
- Ensuring proper lighting and routine security patrolling in hospital premises, particularly during night hours.
- Setting up 24X7 manned security control rooms in hospitals.
The IMA survey underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to improve the safety and working conditions of doctors, particularly during night shifts. As the proportion of women in the medical profession continues to rise, addressing these security concerns has become even more critical. The government’s recent steps are a move in the right direction, but effective implementation and regular monitoring will be key to ensuring that healthcare professionals can work in a safe and secure environment.
Government should make strict laws