Medical science is so advanced today, it has extended longevity and enhanced the quality of life in ways that were thought impossible in the past, and yet, life must end in death. For those who lose a loved one, there is anger, disbelief and a lack of acceptance, and this is sometimes taken out on the hospital, doctors and nurses. This is why Kerala’s move to amend the Kerala Healthcare Service Persons and Healthcare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act to strengthen the defense against attacks on healthcare institutions and workers is not only welcome but There is also necessary intervention. The death of a young house surgeon, Vandana Das, at the hands of a ‘drunk’ patient during a routine medical check-up in Kerala has not only shocked the community, but also raised fears among healthcare workers about their safety has been revived. Doctors protested across the country condemning the attack and urged the authorities to ensure security. While the context of how this particular incident occurred may be an isolated one, recent history in the country is replete with examples of coordinated attacks on health care workers by patients or their attendants frustrated by health outcomes. Warriors in hospitals, unlike those fighting behind enemy lines, do not sign up for assault in the line of duty. It is the duty of the state and the community to protect them and ensure that they are safe from assault and abuse, verbal and physical. The Kerala amendment is progressive as it proposes to bring within the ambit of the Act verbal abuse and violent acts causing simple and grievous hurt. Enhanced jail terms (up to three years) and heavy fines (up to Rs 50,000) are also being prescribed for those found guilty. The government has proposed time bound speedy disposal of such cases besides designating one court in each district as a special court to deal with these cases.
Other states also need to consider interventions on similar lines. While the law itself needs to be powerful, its implementation should promote deterrence while also promoting the government’s commitment to seriously tackle assault on the health care workforce. Since foresight is unlikely to prevail in emergency and critical situations, it would be prudent to ensure that some measure of safety, for example security personnel, is provided in private and public hospitals. It is unfortunate that a young doctor’s life has come to an end when it has barely begun, but it is up to the states to ensure that no more such sacrifices are demanded at the altar of patient care.