Thiruvananthapuram: Junior doctors in the state are planning to have self defence training to check the growing attacks on their counterparts in various parts of the state.
Despite repeated attacks on the junior doctors especially those who man casualty service in medical college hospitals, the authorities have not been able to provide adequate protection. Even the Kerala Health Service Persons and Health Care Services Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property)Act 2012, had failed to check violent incidents thanks to the weak enforcement.
Now the Kerala Medical PG Association (KMPGA) which represents majority of the resident doctors in the state, has decided to actively consider the option of self defence. “The suggestion of self defence training has been discussed after every attack on doctors. But with the attacks now growing by the day, we think it is time to for self defence training at our level,” said KMPGA state secretary president Rahul U R. The move comes on the heels of resident doctors of AIIMS Delhi deciding to start self defence training from May 15.
The hospital management has permitted the doctors to get trained in self defence techniques with the help of two black belt champions twice a week.
The resident doctors here say that AIIMS self defence model will help in sending out a clear message that issues of security need to be addressed on priority and the doctors cannot remain at the receiving end always. ““It is meant only for self defence and not for carrying out any offensive action,” said a junior doctor.
Almost all medical colleges in the state are short of security staff. The existing security personnel are incapable of handling violent situations effectively. Moreover, most of the postings are done by Hospital Development Society (HDS) on contract instead of permanent basis.
Apart from enhancing security, the resident doctors also demand improvement of basic facilities in casualty wing. Adequate number of emergency operation tables is required to avoid delay in surgical procedures. Most of the violent incidents take place when relatives and bystanders become restive at the sight of their bleeding patient waiting for his turn at the operation table.
