Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 24: The Panel Discussion on “Violence against Healthcare Professionals” was held at 19th HXMDP by AIIMS Jammu, here.
It was attended by eminent experts of the field including Prof Bejon Kumar Mishra (International consumer policy expert, Hyderabad), Suleman Chaudhary (DIG, J&K Police), Prof Dr Dinesh Rao (HoD, Forensic Medicine, AIIMS, Jammu), Lt Gen (Dr) Sunil Kant (Medical Superintendent, AIIMS Jammu), Harbans Nagokay (Senior Journalist, J&K) and Dr Sunaina (Adll Prof, Department of Anesthesia AIIMS, Jammu).
The Moderator for the session Dr Kshitija Singh briefly presented the current scenario, magnitude of the problem, the root cause analysis, nature of violence and its effect on healthcare professionals.
Prof Bejon Kumar Mishra emphasized on the need of balancing the diverse responsibilities a doctor has to undertake in a Government hospital. He added that at no point quality should be compromised and accountability, transparency and patient welfare committee.
Suleman Chaudhary shared the prepared of the police personnel in handling cases of violence. He discussed the various safety/security strategies the hospitals should follow while Dr Dinesh Rao spoke about the existing laws and Acts against violence on Healthcare professionals and hospitals.
Lt Gen (Dr) Sunil Kant stressed upon the soft skill communication curriculum in MBBS and support of the institution to its employees in terms of litigation and medical insurance cover whereas Harbans Nagokay suggested for media cells in hospitals for better coordination and more interaction to improve upon the image of doctors.
Dr Sunaina threw light upon various medical interventions which might add up to the soaring cost of treatment in ICU.
The Panel concluded the discussion with several recommendations including restricted entry, adequate security, installation and maintenance of Alarm system, well trained staff and timely response to the emergencies, analysis of worksite hazards and site inspections, establishment of grievance redressal system for patients, stringent punishment and penalties to the perpetrators, central laws against violence on health workers and institutions, etc.