Move Aims to Enhance Security for Resident Doctors Amid Rising Attacks
Mumbai: The Medical Education Department is formulating a plan to deploy police personnel in medical colleges to ensure 24/7 security, addressing long-standing concerns raised by resident doctors.
Doctors Demand Stronger Security Measures
The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has repeatedly called for better security in medical institutions, citing instances where distressed patient relatives react aggressively—sometimes resorting to verbal abuse and physical assaults on doctors. Despite the rising number of medical students and patients, security measures have not been scaled accordingly, doctors argue.
A senior official from the Medical Education Department confirmed that the government is addressing these concerns. “We understand the growing security challenges faced by doctors. Plans are being finalized to deploy police outposts in major medical colleges to ensure their safety. The aim is to have officers present round the clock to prevent any untoward incidents,” the official said.
Urgency Sparked by Rising Attacks
The need for enhanced security intensified after the August 9, 2024, rape and murder of a 31-year-old female doctor at Kolkata’s R.G. Kar Medical College. Several other recent attacks have further underscored the urgency:
- November 2024 – 27 people assaulted doctors and nurses at VN Desai Hospital, Mumbai, after the deaths of a mother and newborn.
- August 2024 – A female doctor at Sion Hospital was attacked by a patient and his relatives.
- May 2024 – A resident doctor at Akola Government Medical College was beaten by a mob following a patient’s death.
With these incidents in focus, the government aims to implement stricter security measures to safeguard medical professionals and prevent future violence.
