Violence at Hospitals: Punjab Doctors decry lack of security measures

Despite repeated assurances, no concrete action has followed, leaving doctors and medical staff dangerously vulnerable, especially during night shifts. In the past week alone, three horrific incidents of violence have been reported across various public healthcare facilities, putting the lives of on-duty doctors and staff at grave risk.

Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) acknowledged the prompt intervention of Hon’ble Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, whose actions led to swift police and administrative response. FIRs were registered under stringent sections, and the culprits were apprehended. The association also appreciated the proactive stance the government has taken over the past year in taking action “after” such unfortunate incidents, sending a strong message to society that violence against medical personnel will not be tolerated and will result in strict legal consequences.

However, the core issue — deployment of security personnel as a preventive measure — remains unresolved. On August 19, 2024, the government had clearly stated in a press conference at Punjab Bhawan that security personnel would be deployed at all 24*7 centres involved in medicolegal work before September 9, 2024. This was followed by a written assurance from a Cabinet sub-committee headed by Hon’ble Finance Minister Sh. Harpal Cheema on September 11, 2024, stating the security framework would be implemented within one week.

A subsequent meeting on September 14, 2024, at Punjab Bhawan revealed that the proposal for security deployment had been sent to the Finance Department for approval. During follow-up meetings held in January 2025, it was communicated to the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) that a decision had been made at the administrative level, and security measures would soon be in place.

Trusting in the government’s commitment, the PCMS cadre has been waiting patiently for the written promises to materialize, hoping that adequate security in the form of outsourced personnel will be ensured at all 24*7 medicolegal centres. However, the recent spate of violence has deeply shaken the medical community, bringing into sharp focus the urgent need for these security measures.

In a press release, the association pointed out, “It is pertinent to mention here the PCMS cadre is “the only cadre of class-1 officers involved in “actual high risk on-ground 24*7 duties” (Not just on-call) which, while being engaged in the Medicolegal examinations, get exposed to such potentially “life endangering” criminal elements of the society. “No other cadre” is involved in such a nature of on-ground high-risk 24*7 medicolegal duties. No other cadre is exposed to such potentially life-endangering risks.”

During a state-level meeting on August 19, 2024, the PCMSA proposed a viable and cost-effective plan for hiring or outsourcing security personnel at DC wage rates (approximately Rs. 13,500 per month), to be managed at the district or institutional level. The proposal included hiring 20 guards for a 200-bed District Hospital (one per 10 beds), along with a police chowki; six guards for Sub-Divisional Hospitals (SDHs); and four for Community Health Centres (CHCs) involved in medicolegal work. The estimated cost of this initiative was pegged at just over one crore rupees per month for all 24*7 health centres in the state. With an annual health budget of Rs. 5,598 crore, the cost of hiring these personnel would constitute only about 0.002% of the total budget.

The association further stated, “Even if technical hurdles arise in securing this expenditure from the Finance Department, it is feasible for the Health Department to allocate these funds from its existing budget. It is the government’s primary responsibility to safeguard the lives of medical professionals on duty. In the face of the latest violent episodes, the healthcare fraternity and the government may not be able to forgive themselves if a life is lost due to the absence of adequate protection, especially when steps could have been taken to prevent such a tragedy.”

The press release signed by Dr. Akhil Sarin, President, PCMA, also stated, “It is quite understandable that in such a fearful and unsafe work environment, a doctor on duty can never be able to work at his/her optimal capacity. PCMSA strongly believes that the current government has repeatedly showcased its commitment to bolster the public healthcare of the state and certainly has the necessary political will to resolve all issues that practically serve as impediments in the eventual realisation of the government's goal of bringing “Sehat Kranti” in the State of Punjab.” In this regard, PCMSA has requested the Principal Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Punjab, to hold an urgent meeting to discuss and zero in on the modality and time frame for the due implementation of a concrete security framework for the public healthcare facilities of the state.

Medical Dialogues had reported that in a shocking turn of events that unfolded at Dera Bassi Civil Hospital in Punjab's Mohali, a violent clash between two groups left at least five people injured a few days ago. On April 12, a violent altercation between rival groups erupted at the District Hospital in Gurdaspur, during which the attackers allegedly manhandled the on-duty doctor, created panic among patients, and forced other doctors and hospital staff to flee for safety, as the rival groups reportedly damaged hospital property, particularly the doctor's cabin.