The Kerala High Court on Thursday slammed the state and police over the murder of a doctor by a patient who had come in for a checkup. The court said that all hospitals should be closed if doctors cannot be protected.
The incident took place at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital on Wednesday. A 23-year-old house surgeon, Dr. Vandana Das, was stabbed to death by a patient who had come in for a checkup. The patient, identified as Biju, was reportedly upset with his treatment.
The court said that the police had failed in their duty to protect the doctor. “If doctors cannot be protected, shut down all hospitals,” the court said. “Policing is to understand and prepare for the unexpected; otherwise, we don’t need you.”
The court also directed the state government to take steps to ensure the safety of doctors. The government has said it will set up a special cell to investigate the matter.
The murder of Dr. Vandana Das has sparked outrage across the state. Doctors have called for a state-wide strike on Friday to protest the incident.
The Kerala High Court’s remarks have come at a time when there is growing concern about the safety of doctors in India. In recent years, there have been a number of incidents of doctors being attacked by patients and their relatives.
In 2017, a doctor was killed in Mumbai after he refused to treat a patient. In 2018, a doctor was stabbed to death in Kolkata after he refused to give a patient a blood transfusion.
The attacks on doctors have led to a decline in the number of people who want to pursue a career in medicine. A recent survey found that 70% of medical students in India are considering leaving the profession due to the fear of violence.
The Kerala High Court’s remarks are a wake-up call for the government and the police. They need to take steps to ensure the safety of doctors and other healthcare workers. Otherwise, the country will face a shortage of doctors, which will have a devastating impact on the healthcare system.
The government needs to take the following steps to ensure the safety of doctors:
- Set up a special cell to look into the matter.
- Increase the number of security guards at hospitals.
- Provide doctors with training on how to deal with violent patients and their relatives.
- Sensitize the public about the importance of respecting doctors.
The police also need to take steps to ensure the safety of doctors. They need to be more proactive in preventing attacks on doctors. They also need to take strict action against those who attack doctors.
The safety of doctors is a matter of national importance. The government and the police need to work together to ensure the safety of doctors. Otherwise, the country will face a shortage of doctors, which will devastate the healthcare system.
Legal Disclaimer: The information contained in this blog post is for general information and educational purposes only. Nothing contained in this blog post should be construed as legal advice from The Aran Law Firm or the individual author, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter.
