Doctors in Tamil Nadu’s government hospitals are facing a growing crisis, grappling with a lack of basic security and facilities, coupled with excessive patient loads.
A recent incident in Bhuvanigiri, Cuddalore district, where a group of intoxicated men threatened doctors attending to heart patients, exemplifies the alarming security concerns plaguing these facilities. This incident, sadly, is not an isolated occurrence. Even in major hospitals like Stanley and MMC, similar threats are commonplace. While a hospital security force was introduced under former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa’s administration, its presence is now largely absent.
The situation is even more concerning in smaller hospitals, where doctors lament the absence of even basic amenities like toilets. House surgeons and postgraduate students are forced to walk long distances to their hostels or colleges to use restrooms, often venturing through poorly lit areas, exposing them to further danger.
The vulnerability of female doctors is particularly alarming. A postgraduate student at Stanley Medical College and Hospital described the fear of walking past groups of men drinking and playing cards, facing catcalls and harassment. A recent intern was harassed in the parking lot of Coimbatore Medical College Hospital, highlighting the pervasive nature of these incidents.
The lack of comprehensive security measures is further compounded by inadequate CCTV coverage. While cameras exist on hospital campuses, they fail to cover crucial pathways leading to hostels and duty rooms, leaving doctors vulnerable during their commute.
Dr. E Theranirajan, dean of Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, has repeatedly appealed to the state home department to strengthen the police outpost at the hospital. However, the current personnel are often elderly and require medical attention themselves, rendering them ineffective as security personnel.
The issue extends beyond security. Dr. K Senthil, president of the TN Govt Doctors Association, highlighted the lack of even basic facilities like separate water dispensing units, forcing doctors to bring water from home. Duty doctors, postgraduates, and interns lack proper rest areas, even in prestigious hospitals like Madurai Rajaji Govt General Hospital.
Compounding these problems is the excessive presence of patient attenders, straining hospital resources and creating an environment prone to conflict and harassment.
Dr. Senthil emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach to address this crisis. He advocates for reducing patient loads in tertiary care facilities, improving preventive and secondary care services, and increasing human resources. He emphasizes that simply bolstering security alone is insufficient to address the systemic issues plaguing government hospitals in Tamil Nadu.
The alarming experiences of doctors in Tamil Nadu’s government hospitals underscore the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to ensure their safety and well-being, enabling them to provide quality healthcare services to the public.
