Security of doctors has become a major concern in the recent times. Instances of assault and abuses being hurled at the healthcare professionals at any and every misfortune at government hospitals are growing, despite proper legal mechanisms and government protocols in place.
On Sunday morning 20th December 2015 over 150 Harley Davidson bikes were ridden by Mumbai doctors. The ride was organised in association with Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) aimed at raising awareness about the increasing instances of violence against doctors.
The ride commenced at 10am from the JJ hospital, and crossed Nair and KEM hospitals before ending at the Sion hospital.
Dr Sagar Mundada , MARD central president said:
“ the resident doctors usually work extended hours every week under a lot of stress. But whenever a patient dies, emotions run high and they face violence from the relatives. “
Dr Rohan Sequeira, senior consultant physician, associate professor, and head of medicine unit at St George Hospital was the main co-ordinator of the riders. Amit Jambotkar, vice-president of RP Goenka group, acted as the “road captain” for the ride.
There have been a total of 32 attacks on doctors by patient’s relatives across Maharashtra this year. MARD has been in continuous negotiations with the government to provide basic security to doctors. While the government has responded to some of the calls and put in place some measures, such as security guards and CCTV cameras which is not enough.
