IMA Survey: One-Third of Doctors Feel Unsafe During Night Shifts
Some doctors even reported considering carrying self-defense weapons due to these safety concerns.
CCTV security technology with lock icon (Image Courtesy: freepik).
A recent survey by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) found that one-third of doctors, primarily women, feel unsafe or very unsafe during night shifts.
Some doctors even reported considering carrying self-defense weapons due to these safety concerns.
The survey, which received 3,885 responses, was conducted in light of the recent alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
The survey found that 45% of doctors did not have access to duty rooms during night shifts.
Among those with access, many found the facilities inadequate, citing overcrowding, lack of privacy, and missing locks.
Additionally, one-third of the duty rooms did not have attached bathrooms, forcing doctors to go outside during late hours, which heightened their sense of vulnerability.
In response to these issues, doctors suggested increasing the number of trained security personnel, installing CCTV cameras, improving lighting, and ensuring that duty rooms are secure and well-equipped.
The findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced safety measures in healthcare settings, especially for junior doctors who are often on the frontline and most affected.
