West Bengal's Unfulfilled Hospital Security Promises Exposed After Tragedy
West Bengal's 2019 pledge for hospital security improvements remains largely unimplemented, as revealed by a recent assault on a female doctor. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns for medical professionals in India.
In a stark revelation of unfulfilled promises, West Bengal's 2019 pledge to enhance hospital security has come under scrutiny following a tragic incident at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital. The assault and subsequent death of a female doctor on August 9, 2023, has exposed the glaring gaps in the implementation of promised safety measures.
Five years ago, the West Bengal government committed to bolstering security in public hospitals. The internal memo, dated June 17, 2019, outlined plans for improved security equipment, female guards, and controlled entry points. However, witnesses at R.G. Kar Hospital paint a different picture, describing inadequate security measures at the time of the incident.
N S Nigam, West Bengal Health Secretary, attributed the delay in improvements to the COVID-19 pandemic, stating that progress had resumed since 2021. In response to the recent tragedy, Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister, announced a $12 million allocation for enhancing hospital facilities on August 28, 2023.
The incident has reignited discussions about the safety of medical professionals, particularly women, in India. Dr Riya Bera, a postgraduate trainee at R.G. Kar, expressed her belief that the tragedy might have been prevented if the promised measures had been implemented.
"After the Aug 9. incident, I would not go on duty again without carrying a pepper spray or scalpel to defend myself."
This case echoes the 2012 Delhi bus rape, which sparked nationwide protests and led to stricter laws against crimes targeting women. Despite these efforts, government data reveals a 4% increase in reported crimes against women in 2022 compared to the previous year.
India's medical landscape is complex and evolving. The country boasts the world's largest number of medical colleges and produces the highest number of doctors annually. However, this progress is overshadowed by persistent safety concerns for healthcare workers.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) reports that about 60% of India's doctors are female, with three-quarters having experienced harassment while on duty. RV Asokan, IMA President, highlighted the vulnerability of medical facilities to unauthorized entry.
In response to these challenges, India's Supreme Court issued a ruling on August 20, 2023, mandating the creation of a taskforce on medical workers' safety. This decision acknowledges the unique risks faced by women in the medical profession due to ingrained societal biases.
As India's healthcare sector continues to grow, projected to reach $372 billion by 2025, addressing the safety and working conditions of medical professionals remains crucial. The recent tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms in healthcare institutions across the country.
