Pune: Amitesh Kumar, Police Commissioner, Pune City said that the Pune police is committed to zero tolerance of violence against doctors as well as against paramedic staff, pharma staff and other staff of Hospital that are engaged in healthcare management of patient. The police commissioner was speaking at the conference “Tackling crisis around doctors’ safety at clinics & Hospitals”. The other speaker of the conference were Sidhharth Shirole, MLA, Shivaji Nagar, Dr Sanjay Patil, Secretary, IMA – Pune Chapter and Dr Amol Lunkad, Director, Indira IVF – Pune. The conference was backed by various medical association of Pune which included Shivajinagar Doctors Association, Khadaki Doctors Association, Western Pune Doctors Association, Baner Balewadi Medicos Association and others.
Speaking in the conference, Amitesh Kumar said that he has drafted a SOP for handling cases related to doctors and all the police stations in Pune have been directed to follow the SOP’s in letter and spirit. Giving details of the SOP he said that he has directed the police station to give quick response to the doctors and hospitals when they are in distress; WhatsApp group of doctors, hospital owner, security Incharge of the hospital and the police inspector within the jurisdiction has been made for better coordination between police and medical fraternity; police station have been directed not to register any case against doctors till the expert opinion indicts the doctors of medical negligence. The police commissioner further added that the doctors should have faith on police and should call the police if they anticipate violence by the relatives of the patient. He also informed the gathering that the doctors can call 112 of computerized call center which is available 24 x 7 in time of distress.
Sidhharth Shirole, MLA, Shivaji Nagar, said that the conference gave him opportunity to understand the problems faced by doctors while performing their profession. He also gave an insight of the patient side. He said as an MLA patient and their relatives come with complaint against doctors which include excess billing by doctors. He emphasized that the conference has helped to bridge the gap between doctors, politician and police. Dr. Sanjay Patil, Secretary, IMA Chapter – Pune said that 75% of doctors have experienced violence in some form or the other in their profession. But the medical fraternity avoids reporting it to police and hence the true impact of violence against doctor is under reported. He thanked the Police Commissioner for issuing SOP specific for medical fraternity in Pune. He added that IMA Pune has made “32 Rush Team” which include a medicolegal expert, a specialist doctor and other office bearers which reach the site of violence against doctors/hospitals within minimum time to support their colleague in distress. Meanwhile Dr. Amol Lunkad, Director, Indira IVF – Pune said that the medical fraternity should be educated in medico legal subject. Also consent and medical records documentation should be done appropriately by the doctors. He also emphasized that the Consumer Protection Act has serious impact on the treatment of serious patient as the doctor needs to secure himself first. Dr. Lunkad suggested mock drills that will help in handling emergency situation and point out to the shortcomings of the hospital.