PANAJI
The State government on Tuesday announced plans to strengthen the safety of medical professionals by issuing an ordinance to The Goa Clinical Establishments Act before September 15.
Speaking to the media after an interaction with the Goa Association of Resident Doctors (GARD) to ensure the safety and security of doctors, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant emphasised that the government is committed to the same.
“We are willing to make any necessary changes to ensure the safety of doctors. The Clinical Establishment Act ordinance will be issued before September 15. We are also open to making any required changes or additions to the amendments in the Act. Administrative and infrastructural changes will be made as needed,” he stated.
At the meeting also comprising Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, Dean of Goa Medical College Dr Bandekar and Goa Police, GARD representatives and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Goa State Branch discussed enhancing the safety of healthcare professionals, particularly in light of recent incidents of verbal and physical abuse against resident doctors.
Rane also expressed his support for the proposed legislative reforms. “The GARD has urged reinforcing the Act and modifying it to provide enhanced safety measures for medical professionals. I will endorse this recommendation for legislative reform,” he said.
Earlier in its presentation, GARD President Dr Aayush Sharma raised concerns about the increasing instances of abuse faced by doctors, particularly female medical staff in various healthcare institutions across the State.
The President further spoke about problems faced by the resident GMC doctors in terms of verbal and physical abuse by patient attendants and urged for a comprehensive overhaul of security measures at healthcare facilities including the appointment of qualified security personnel and the introduction of a “Code Violet” system and “Security App” to address security breaches quickly.
The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of instilling a fear of the law to deter such attacks stating bail should not be granted to assailants.
“There is a need to instill fear of the law so that bail is not granted easily in such cases. The police should build a rapport with all doctors and clinics to increase trust, especially since 80 percent of healthcare workers are women,” he added.
Sawant also added that the medical association in collaboration with the government will hold similar awareness workshops at the district and police station levels.
