Attack on doctors in Chennai: Growing violent streak unchecked by robust governance

By NS Venkataraman* 

India is still reeling from the shock of the brutal rape and murder of a young lady doctor on duty in a Kolkata hospital by a drunkard at midnight. While police investigations are ongoing and protests have been staged by doctors across the country, two separate attacks on doctors in Chennai hospitals on consecutive days have raised concerns about the underlying issues contributing to such incidents.

Although the motives for the Kolkata and Chennai attacks differ, a fundamental factor they share is the apparent lack of fear of the law among perpetrators. This reflects a broader crisis in law enforcement and societal behavior. A growing violent streak, unchecked by robust governance, seems to be pervading society. Part of the blame lies with political leaders and officials who fail to set high standards in their actions and rhetoric, contributing to a decline in societal ethics. Media, too, plays a role by focusing disproportionately on negative events, further eroding the societal tone.

While these are general societal issues, the specific question arises: why are doctors increasingly becoming targets of violence in hospitals?

One incident in Chennai involved an oncology doctor attacked by the son of a cancer patient, who was reportedly dissatisfied with the care provided to his mother. While the attacker’s actions were unjustifiable and must be punished, this incident highlights the need for introspection within the medical community. Patients, particularly those with severe or terminal illnesses, often experience extreme stress, which can lead to agitation or misplaced grievances about treatment quality.

Doctors, though overworked and stressed themselves, must recognize that their patients' stress levels are often far higher. Medical Council guidelines urge doctors to remain patient, address questions, and maintain a compassionate attitude. Unfortunately, not all doctors adhere to these principles. For instance, a patient suffering from hemorrhage reported an incident where a doctor, irritated by the patient’s reluctance to accept a pethidine injection due to concerns about side effects, retorted angrily and walked away. Such behavior erodes trust and escalates tensions.

The second attack in Chennai involved a mentally ill patient who attacked a doctor during consultation. This incident raises questions about hospital protocols for managing mentally unstable patients. Why was the patient unescorted? Could the doctor have handled the situation more cautiously?

In response to these incidents, Chennai doctors staged a one-day strike, demanding enhanced hospital security and government measures to ensure their safety. These demands are valid and necessary.

However, doctors must also recognize the inherent challenges of their profession. Just as police officers cannot complain about dealing with criminals, doctors cannot shy away from the emotional and psychological complexities of treating stressed patients. A holistic approach that considers both the physical and mental states of patients is crucial.

The safety of doctors is paramount, but so is the need for empathy and patience in medical practice. By addressing both aspects, we can work towards a safer and more harmonious healthcare environment.

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*Trustee, Nandini Voice for the Deprived, Chennai