MANSI BHAMBRI | Dehradun
Doctors elicited focus on the unseen challenges they encounter in their profession, on the occasion of National Doctors’ Day on Tuesday. They emphasised that while doctors face numerous difficulties, a significant concern is the lack of support from patients, which often culminates in violence and other issues. Considering this, they urged the State government to enact laws to protect doctors and ensure their enforcement.
Dehradun district president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Dr Jairaj Hanspal said that doctors are available round the clock and often have to forgo social interactions, including family functions and weddings, due to their responsibilities. While he said that these personal sacrifices are manageable, the primary challenge is the decreasing support from patients and their families. Hanspal said that initially, patient support was not an issue for doctors, but over time, individuals’ patience has declined, exacerbating the lack of support. He pointed out that many patients first attempt self-medication or seek treatment from unqualified individuals, worsening their conditions. By the time they consult a doctor, they often expect the solutions and if complications arise or a patient dies, doctors are unjustly blamed. This situation sometimes leads to physical assaults on doctors or legal action against them, which he described as disheartening, given the efforts doctors make to save lives. He observed that prospective medical students are increasingly opting to become professors in medical colleges rather than practicing medicine due to these challenges. He urged the State government to introduce laws that would address these issues and encourage public support for doctors, who strive to make individuals healthy.
Former Dehradun district president of the IMA and eye specialist Dr Amit Singh pointed at two main challenges faced by doctors. The first is the complicated process of obtaining numerous licenses, which can be time-consuming and divert attention from practicing medicine. He suggested that authorities implement a single-window system for license issuance to ease this burden. The second challenge involves the aggressive behaviour of patients and their attendants. In cases of death or other unforeseen events, there have been instances of violence directed at doctors. He emphasised that this is not in his profession of an eye specialist, but many other doctors faced this challenge. Singh recommended that laws should be established for the doctors’ safety.
Former Additional Chief Medical Officer (CMO) in Dehradun, Dr CS Rawat echoed concerns about the many challenges doctors face, especially the lack of public support. He said that during the Covid-19 pandemic, doctors worked tirelessly while risking their lives. Despite their efforts to provide the best possible care, they often face blame from the public in adverse situations. He urged people to support doctors and follow their medical advice, whether for dengue prevention or other ailments. Rawat emphasised that doctors are not god; they are also human beings. He called on the government to come forefront along to enhance the safety and security of doctors considering these challenges.
