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The tragic death of a postgraduate woman doctor in a Kolkata hospital has once again brought to light the grave concerns surrounding the safety of medical professionals in West Bengal. Despite promises made five years ago by the state government to enhance security measures in public hospitals, these assurances remain largely unfulfilled, leaving doctors vulnerable and exposed to potential threats. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and demands for immediate action to address the systemic failures that have allowed such a tragedy to occur.
Following a previous assault on two doctors by a patient's family members in 2019, the West Bengal government pledged to implement comprehensive security measures. A memo dated June 17, 2019, outlined plans for improved security equipment, the deployment of female guards to support female physicians, and the establishment of controlled entry points. However, four trainee doctors have attested that none of these promises have been realized at the public hospital where the recent murder took place. The lack of implementation has raised serious questions about the government's commitment to protecting its healthcare workers.
The chilling accounts of trainee doctors at the hospital further highlight the precarious situation they face. One trainee doctor recounted waking up to two unknown men in a designated restroom at 3 am, a space that lacked any locks. This disturbing incident underscores the failure of even basic security measures. The lack of proper security protocols and the absence of a safe and secure environment for doctors to rest during their long shifts creates a climate of fear and vulnerability. The recent death and the ongoing experiences of other doctors serve as a stark reminder of the urgency for the West Bengal government to prioritize the safety and well-being of its medical professionals.
The government's claims that the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted improvements for two years are inadequate justifications for the continued lack of security in hospitals. While the pandemic posed significant challenges, it cannot be used as an excuse for neglecting the critical issue of doctor safety. The health secretary's assertion that measures have been taken since 2021, such as strengthening CCTV coverage and engaging private security, require independent verification. The experiences of the trainee doctors cast doubt on the effectiveness of these measures and highlight the need for a comprehensive and transparent assessment of security protocols across all hospitals in the state.
The tragic death of the postgraduate doctor serves as a wake-up call for authorities. It is imperative to address the systemic failures that have allowed such incidents to occur. The government must take immediate and concrete steps to ensure the safety and security of all medical professionals, including the implementation of robust security measures, adequate staffing, and proper training for security personnel. The well-being of doctors should be a top priority, and the government must demonstrate its commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for them to perform their critical roles.