Jammu: A panel of experts have advised the fraternity to always treat patients like family members the way they want to expect them to be treated.
The experts were speaking at a panel discussion on “Violence against Healthcare Professionals” at 19th HXMDP at Hotel Vivanta by Jammu AIIMS chaired by Prof (Dr) Dinesh Rao, HOD Forensic Medicine, AIIMS, Jammu, Forensic and Legal expert, Dr. Kshitija Singh, which was attended by Prof. Bejon Kumar Mishra: International consumer policy expert Hyderabad, India, Suleman Chaudhary, DIG, J&K, 4. Lt Gen (Dr.) Sunil Kant, SM, VSM (Retd.) Medical Superintendent, Prof & Head Dept. of Hospital Administration, AIIMS, Jammu, Harbans Nagokay, Senior Journalist, J&K and Dr. Sunaina, Additional Prof. Department of Anaesthesia AIIMS, Jammu.
Dr. Rao spoke about the existing laws and Acts against violence on Healthcare professionals and hospitals. He deliberated on the role of Administrator before, during and after the Alleged incidents of Violence against the Health care professionals.
He also emphasized the reasons behind the Low convictions or trials pertaining to violence of this nature and confirmed the fact that the state specific Laws and the General Laws are sufficient to satisfy the Legal Needs of the Health Care Professionals.
His Comments and Analysis on the Delhi Max Hospital Case was profound which exposed the lack of adequate Legal response to the Case and emphasized as how the Cases of Violence against Doctors loses its Importance with the passage of time after the Incident, and how the witness and the complaint become reluctant to pursue their complaint.
He never hesitated from cautioning the Medical fraternity of their shortcomings and highlighted the importance of Infrastructure, Facilities and preparedness to handle all emergencies.
He mainly advocated the importance of Empathizing with the Patient and their Families and importance of Communication and stressed on the importance of Ethical Practice among the Medical practitioners. He also spoke about practices that account for medico legal negligence.
He ended deliberations stating, “always treat the patients, like you, or your family members, expect them to be treated.”
The Moderator for the session Dr. Kshitija Singh briefly presented the current scenario, magnitude of the problem, the root cause analysis, nature of violence and its effect on healthcare professionals. Few case studies were discussed and Panelists put forward their opinions.
Prof. Bejon Kumar Mishra emphasized on the need of balancing the diverse responsibilities a doctor has to undertake in a government hospital.
He added that at no point quality should be compromised and accountability, transparency and patient welfare committee.
DIG J&K Police Suleman Chaudhary shared the preparedness of the police personnel in handling cases of violence.
He discussed the various safety/security strategies the hospitals should follow. He insisted that FIR should be filed and brought to its logical end.
He added that the responsibility of the Citizens is of paramount importance
Lt Gen (Dr) Sunil Kant: stressed upon the soft skill communication curriculum in MBBS and support of the institution to its employees in terms of litigation and medical insurance cover.
He emphasized the fact that in all cases against the Doctors it’s the institution that should bear the responsibility of bailing them out or compensating the staff.
He also agreed with the fact that the Institution Medical Superintendent should assist the Staff in filling the FIR.
Senior Journalist Nagokay suggested media cells in hospitals for better coordination and more interaction to improve upon the image of doctors.
He highlighted how the wrong reporting of cases damages the Public opinion and confirmed that there are some non professionals in the media who should be blamed for, his quotes were in the background of Kargil War reporting from corrupted reporters who were rewarded.
He highlighted the fact that it is difficult to stop Media or propaganda unless Positive information from the Health care facility is made available from the Health care facility.
Dr Sunaina defended the fact that for a patient with 15 days admission in ICU more than 660 syringes and 2700 gloves will be consumed.
She emphasized that for a strong patient doctor relationship, honest and continuous communication should be maintained at all times.
UNI
