NAGPUR — In a stern message to society regarding the rising instances of violence against healthcare professionals, Justice Anil Kilor, Administrative Judge of the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court, declared that attacks on doctors are “unacceptable” and pose a direct threat to the stability of the entire healthcare system.
Addressing the installation ceremony of the new office-bearers of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Nagpur branch, Justice Kilor emphasized that the medical profession operates on the thin line between life and death, requiring a secure environment to function effectively.
The Weight of a Life
During his keynote address, Justice Kilor highlighted the immense pressure doctors face in emergency wards and operating theatres. “A doctor in a critical situation is making complex decisions in a matter of seconds, often with incomplete information, carrying the weight of a patient’s life in their hands,” he observed.
He argued that for a physician to perform these high-stakes duties, they require “trust, cooperation, and space to work,” rather than the looming threat of hostility or physical harm from grieving or agitated relatives. When doctors begin to feel insecure in their workplace, he warned, it is the patient community and the healthcare infrastructure that ultimately suffer the most.
A Collective Responsibility
Justice Kilor’s remarks come at a time when the Bombay High Court and other judicial bodies have been increasingly vocal about the need for state protection for medical staff. He remarked that respect for the medical fraternity should not be viewed merely as a courtesy but as a “collective responsibility” and a necessity for protecting the “very foundation of healthcare”.
“As a society, we have a collective responsibility to ensure that our doctors feel safe, respected, valued, and supported,” Justice Kilor stated, adding that the judicial system stands firm in its view that violence cannot be a response to medical outcomes.
Gratitude for Silent Sacrifices
Beyond the warning against violence, the judge expressed deep gratitude for the dedication shown by the medical community, particularly those working in public hospitals. He acknowledged the “long hours doctors put in, often throughout the night,” and the many acts of care that go unrecognized by the public.
The ceremony marked the transition of leadership for the IMA Nagpur branch, with Justice Kilor congratulating the newly installed team and urging them to continue their noble service while maintaining the highest ethical standards. The event was attended by various senior members of the legal and medical fraternities, serving as a platform to bridge the gap between law and medicine in addressing the safety of frontline workers.
The call for better protection reflects ongoing concerns across India, where medical associations like the IMA have frequently protested for stricter laws against hospital violence. Justice Kilor’s speech serves as a timely reminder that the safety of those who save lives is paramount to the health of the nation.
