Recent findings from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) reveal troubling concerns about the safety of doctors working night shifts in India, with alarming statistics showing one-third of respondents feel unsafe at their workplaces. This survey, which garnered 3,885 responses, predominantly from women and younger doctors, highlights the urgent need for improved facilities and security measures across healthcare settings.
The survey, compiled by Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan and his team, is the largest of its kind conducted by the IMA, with responses from doctors across 22 states. The results, accepted for publication in the Kerala Medical Journal set for October 2024, reveal alarming insights, particularly after the tragic incident involving the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
Among the findings, it was noted 24.1 percent of doctors reported feeling unsafe, and 11.4 percent felt very unsafe during their night shifts. The figures were particularly pronounced among female doctors, with many stating they felt the need to carry self-defense weapons. This sentiment signals not only fear but also grave concern for personal safety as they carry out their duties.
A significant factor influencing these safety perceptions is the lack of accessible duty rooms during night shifts. The survey indicated 45 percent of doctors had no access to such facilities, which are supposed to provide a secure place to rest or recover. For those who did have access, the conditions were often inadequate—frequently overcrowded and lacking basic amenities like privacy or secure locks. Strikingly, one-third of available duty rooms did not even feature attached bathrooms, forcing doctors to venture outside during late hours, increasing their vulnerability.
Given these circumstances, the doctors surveyed provided several recommendations aimed at enhancing their safety. Suggestions included increasing the presence of trained security personnel, installing CCTV cameras, improving lighting, and ensuring duty rooms are secure and properly equipped. This reflects the growing consensus among medical professionals for substantial changes to the working environment, particularly for those on the front lines, such as interns and postgraduate medical trainees who typically experience the highest levels of stress and risk.
These findings come at a time of heightened awareness surrounding the safety of healthcare providers, especially after public demonstrations by doctors protesting the aforementioned tragic incident. The protests have called for greater accountability and protective measures not only for doctors but also for all female healthcare workers who face harassment and violence at the workplace. It’s clear the healthcare community requires systemic changes to safeguard its workers from threats.
With doctors emphasizing the need for secure environments where they can focus on caring for their patients instead of worrying about personal safety, addressing these issues is seen as not just beneficial but necessary. Infrastructure improvements and substantial investment in safety measures can provide the needed reassurance for healthcare workers who are increasingly considering leaving their vocation due to rising fears of violence.
While the IMA’s survey draws attention to these pressing issues, it also provides insight for healthcare policymakers to develop initiatives aimed at enhancing safety protocols. The survey's broad representation will undoubtedly play a significant role as advocates push for enforcement of safety regulations ensuring doctors can perform their duties safely.
Across the board, the IMA findings echo sentiments heard from various medical professionals who have long been advocating for reform and heightened protection against workplace violence. The emotional toll this environment has on doctors—who are already under stress from the demands of their profession—is compounded by fears for their safety.
Addressing the safety concerns raised by the IMA survey is not just about implementing security measures—it's about fostering trust within the healthcare system so medical professionals can do what they do best: provide care and save lives.
It remains to be seen how healthcare authorities will respond to this significant wave of input from within the medical community, but the message is clear: changes are necessary, and time is of the essence to create safer working environments for all healthcare providers.
Now, the spotlight shifts to health administrators and government bodies to take the necessary steps toward implementing recommendations made by the surveyed doctors. Ensuring safety is not merely the responsibility of individual institutions; it calls for nationwide scrutiny and solution-driven approaches to safeguard those entrusted with the health of the population.
