Alarming Reality: Sexual Harassment and Insecurity Plague Female Doctors in Hyderabad

 

In the heart of Hyderabad, the medical community is reeling from a wave of violence and sexual harassment, particularly targeting female doctors. Recent incidents have brought to light the pervasive insecurity that plagues healthcare professionals, especially in government hospitals. These women, who dedicate their lives to healing others, are increasingly finding themselves in hostile and unsafe environments.

The Incident that Shocked Hyderabad

One chilling incident occurred on a sweltering afternoon in May, when a middle-aged man sought treatment for scabies at an Area Hospital in Hyderabad. The attending doctor, a young woman in her early 30s, administered the prescribed treatment and left the patient to rest. However, upon her return, she was met with a horrifying situation: the man exposed himself to her, leaving her momentarily paralyzed by shock. It took her 10 agonizing minutes to find security and have the man removed.

This traumatic experience is far from an isolated case. The doctor’s harrowing encounter underscores the rampant issue of sexual harassment that female healthcare workers face regularly. The incident also served as a catalyst for a solidarity rally in front of Osmania Medical College on August 20, in response to the recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s R.G. Kar Medical College.

A Widespread Issue Across Telangana

Unfortunately, such incidents are disturbingly common across government hospitals in Telangana. Female doctors are often subjected to threats and harassment, with little support or protection from the system. The emotional toll of these experiences is profound, as these women are forced to navigate a work environment that is supposed to be a place of healing, yet often becomes a source of distress.

One senior resident doctor at the Government ENT Hospital in Hyderabad shared her ordeal of being falsely accused of neglect by a patient, only to be exonerated by CCTV footage. Despite proving her innocence, the experience left her feeling vulnerable and exposed to false accusations.

The Glaring Security Lapses

The insecurity in these hospitals is exacerbated by the glaring inadequacy of security measures. There have been numerous reports of physical assaults on doctors and hospital staff. In May of the previous year, a group of attendants violently attacked senior resident doctors at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences, following the death of a critically ill patient. The lack of sufficient security personnel allowed this attack to unfold unchecked.

Despite the clear need for better security, progress has been slow. In 2019, the Telangana government issued an order to create 164 security posts under the Director General of Telangana Special Protection Force (SPF) for deployment in government hospitals. Yet, years later, many hospitals remain without adequate SPF deployment, leaving doctors vulnerable to attacks.

Protests and Demands for Change

The recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata have sparked widespread protests among doctors in Telangana. These protests have evolved into broader demands for the government to address the longstanding security issues in hospitals across the state. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has responded by mandating that institutional FIRs must be filed within six hours of any violence against healthcare workers, but the effectiveness of this measure remains to be seen.

Grueling Work Conditions and Poor Facilities

Compounding the security issues are the deplorable working conditions that doctors face in state-run hospitals. Resting rooms are often inadequate, with too few beds and little to no security. Female doctors, in particular, struggle with a lack of basic amenities, such as sanitary facilities, during their long shifts. The fear of a tragedy similar to the one in Kolkata looms large, as these women are forced to work in environments where their safety is not guaranteed.

A Call for Systemic Change

The pervasive issue of sexual harassment in the medical field further complicates the already challenging work environment for female doctors. A recent case involving a senior medical officer accused of multiple counts of sexual harassment highlights the urgent need for systemic change. Despite the existence of laws aimed at protecting doctors, the lack of effective enforcement leaves many healthcare workers in a constant state of fear.

The Need for Uniform Protection Laws

In response to the growing threats, the Union Health Ministry has formed a National Task Force to address the safety of medical professionals. This initiative, following a Supreme Court directive, aims to implement stronger protection laws nationwide. However, as advocates point out, without a uniform and organized system in place, these laws remain largely ineffective. The call for a Central Protection Act that can be implemented uniformly across the country is growing louder, as healthcare workers demand the safety and respect they deserve.

Conclusion: The Urgent Need for Action

The recent events in Hyderabad and across Telangana have brought to light the urgent need for systemic change to protect female doctors and other healthcare professionals. As these women continue to fight for their safety and well-being, the onus is on the government and medical institutions to implement effective security measures and enforce laws that protect those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. The time for change is now, before more lives are needlessly put at risk.