Why in news
The murder of a doctor in Kolkata has brought renewed attention to violence against healthcare workers in India.
The incident highlights a persistent problem of violence within healthcare settings and the need for better protection and systemic reforms
Violence Against Healthcare Workers in India
Types of Violence: Includes physical assaults, verbal abuse, and emotional harassment directed at healthcare workers by patients, visitors, or even colleagues.
Causes: Often stems from frustrations with inadequate healthcare services, long wait times, or perceived negligence.
Impact: Leads to physical and psychological harm for healthcare workers, disrupts the functioning of healthcare facilities, and contributes to a toxic work environment.
Who Published the World Report on Violence and Health 2002
The World Health Organization (WHO) published the World Report on Violence and Health in 2002.
The report aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of violence globally, including its causes, effects, and potential solutions.
World Health Organization Defines Violence As
“the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, or against a group or community, that either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment, or deprivation.”
International Humanitarian Law (IHL)
IHL is a set of rules that seek to limit the effects of armed conflict.
IHL derived primarily from the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols
It protects those who are not participating in the hostilities, such as civilians and healthcare workers.
Key Protections: Includes safeguarding health establishments, healthcare personnel, and those who are wounded or sick during conflicts.
It applies both during international and non-international armed conflicts, ensuring that violence does not extend to healthcare facilities and personnel
Way Forward
Pass and enforce laws like the Healthcare Service Personnel and Clinical Establishments (Prohibition of Violence and Damage to Property) Bill, 2019 to protect healthcare workers.
Enhance security in healthcare settings and ensure proper infrastructure to prevent violence.
Educate healthcare workers and the public about the importance of respecting healthcare personnel and the consequences of violence.
Implement effective whistleblower protection and reporting mechanisms to address violence and corruption within the healthcare system.
Adopt successful strategies from other countries, such as Taiwan, which has strong legislation and strict penalties to protect healthcare workers.
View violence not just as isolated incidents but as a systemic issue, addressing underlying factors contributing to violence in healthcare settings.
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