Enact Law to Prevent Violence against Doctors IIPA & AHA organize Panel Discussion.
Enact Law to Prevent Violence against Doctors IIPA & AHA organize Panel Discussion
Jammu (March 17, 2018)
Indian Institute of Public Administration, J&K Regional Branch in association with Academy of Hospital Administration, Regional Chapter Jammu organized a Panel Discussion on “Violence Against Health Care Professionals in J&K”. Dr Pawan Kotwal, IAS, Principal Secretary to Govt, Health & Medical Education Department, J&K was the Chief Guest on the occasion. The function was attended by various stakeholders including senior doctors, legal professionals, members from judiciary, police, media and civil society.
Dr. Kotwal in his address emphasized the need for the enactment of appropriate legislation in the state of J&K to prevent the medical fraternity from violence and protect the assets from vandalism. He said that there is need to strengthen the peripheral healthcare system which can help in eliminating the huge disparity between demand and supply at the medical college. He further emphasized the need for adequate staffing and training of all the medical professionals so that they can cope up with such exigencies.
Dr Shakti K. Gupta, Medical Superintendent, R.P. Centre AIIMS, Delhi moderated the panel discussion. While narrating recent incidents of violence at national level public and private sector hospitals, he raised interesting questions identifying the reasons for violence, role of government and other stakeholders and the way forward. The panellists included Dr. H. L. Goswamy. Prof & Rtd. Principal GMC Jammu & Ex- J&K PSC Member; Mr. K. B. Jandial; IAS, Rtd. Secretary Health & Ex- J&K PSC Member; Mr Amin Anjum; IPS (Rtd. IGP); Mr Shakti Gupta, Rtd. District Judge; Mr Pardeep Dutta, Sr. Correspondent, Times Now; Dr. S.K. Bali, Prof. & Head Department of Nephrology, GMC Jammu.
The panellists were of the view that the doctor –patient relationship is witnessing a transformation on account of changing moral values in the society in general. Due to corporatization and commercialization of hospitals, there is a change of perception among the citizens and that there are exaggerated expectations from the doctors. They agreed upon on the fact that there is need to have an appropriate legislation in place, as is available in other states, which can provide a sense of security among the doctors. Further to strengthen the doctor-patient relationship there is a strong need for behavioural and communication training among the medical fraternity which can further enhance patient satisfaction.
Earlier, Dr V.P.Gupta, MHA, Ex_Health Secretary & Patron AHA, Regional Chapter, Jammu in his welcome address stressed on the need for congenial and safe environment for the doctors. Dr Yashpal Sharma, MHA, Registrar Academics, GMC Jammu and Executive Director, AHA, Regional Chapter Jammu in his introductory remarks identified the various causes of violence including poor image of doctors, meagre health budget, vulnerability of nursing homes, lack of faith in the judicial process, low health literacy, poor communication, lack of security and increasing cost of healthcare. He stressed upon the need of coordinated effort of all stakeholders to ensure safe working environment for the doctors who give their best despite of inadequate resources and adverse circumstances. Dr. Satish Sharma, MHA, Retd. Medical Superintendent, Jammu presented the rapporteur report while Er. J B S Johar, Hony. Secretary, IIPA presented the formal vote of thanks.
