The harsh reality faced by women doctors working night shifts in government hospitals across India has recently come to light following a tragic incident in Kolkata. A 31-year-old trainee doctor was brutally raped and murdered while on duty, sparking nationwide outrage and highlighting the serious safety and facility issues that women in the medical profession endure.
Lack of Basic Facilities
Women doctors in various government hospitals, including those in Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, have raised concerns about the lack of basic amenities. According to resident doctors who spoke on condition of anonymity, the absence of dedicated Duty Doctor Rooms (DDR) for women is a significant issue. Many of the existing DDRs are shared between male and female doctors, often without proper safety measures such as latches on doors. In some cases, patient families have even walked into these shared spaces, further compromising security.
One resident doctor at RML Hospital shared, “Working night shifts in a government setup is extremely difficult. We don’t have specific DDRs for women, and the washrooms are often closed or unusable. We don’t even have easy access to drinking water during our shifts.”
Another doctor added, “In the few departments that have DDRs, the space is shared between male and female doctors. There is no privacy or safety, and it’s challenging to manage night shifts under these conditions.”
Safety Concerns and Security Demands
The security of women doctors working night shifts is a matter of grave concern. Dr. Pankaj Arora, Deputy Medical Superintendent at the new OPD at PGI Chandigarh, emphasized the critical need for improved security measures. He noted that despite the essential services provided by doctors, their safety is often overlooked, leading to tragic incidents like the one in Kolkata.
“We want safety and security within the hospital premises,” said Dr. Arora. “Doctors work day and night, and our parents trust that we are safe, but incidents like this shatter that trust. We need proper investigation and enforcement of security measures.”
The Need for Centralized Hostels and Better Infrastructure
Dr. Sampat Suryavanshi, President of the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD), pointed out another significant issue—the lack of centralized hostels for resident doctors. In Mumbai, for instance, the hostels provided are often far from the hospitals, creating additional safety risks for doctors who must attend to calls late at night.
“The absence of centralized hostels is a major concern. Female doctors, in particular, face difficulties in reaching the hospital safely during late hours,” said Dr. Suryavanshi.
Calls for Legislative Protection
There is also a growing demand for the implementation of the Central Protection Act (CPA) to safeguard doctors, particularly women, from violence and harassment. Dr. Arunima, speaking to India Today TV, highlighted the need for strict surveillance of strangers within hospital premises to prevent incidents of violence and ensure the safety of all healthcare professionals.
“Stricter laws and surveillance are necessary to protect doctors from such heinous crimes,” Dr. Arunima added.
The tragic incident in Kolkata has brought the plight of women doctors working night shifts into sharp focus. From the lack of basic facilities to serious safety concerns, these professionals face numerous challenges that urgently need to be addressed. It is imperative for hospital administrations and the government to take swift action to ensure the safety and well-being of all doctors, allowing them to serve humanity without fear.
