The noble profession of medicine in India faces a critical challenge. Doctors, who dedicate themselves tirelessly to saving lives under immense pressure and sleep deprivation, are increasingly being subjected to Future of Doctors In India and treated with a lack of empathy. 

This situation is worsening with each passing day, and the current government response, with its limited and ineffective laws, is failing to ensure their safety.

Hospitals, which should be places of healing, are not providing doctors with the support they deserve. Management prioritizes profit over doctor safety, leaving them to face violent situations alone. This creates a sense of isolation and vulnerability.

Doctors are human beings too, and they deserve the fundamental right to live with dignity and work in a secure environment. Their mental health, which is constantly strained by demanding workloads and the threat of violence, is often neglected.

This cannot become the norm! It’s high time for doctors in India to unite and demand change. Here’s a clear roadmap for action:

• Talk, talk, talk: Every doctor, from specialist to senior consultant, has a voice. Talk openly about violence against doctors at conferences, in meetings, and anywhere there’s an opportunity. The more the issue is discussed, the more pressure there will be for solutions.
• Stand United: Solidarity is key. Doctors need to support each other, fostering a sense of community and refusing to be divided. This isn’t about “two fighting cats and a monkey”; it’s about presenting a united front in the face of violence.
• Harness social media: Don’t let violence be swept under the rug. Use social media platforms to report incidents, share details of patients who engage in hooliganism, and create a permanent blacklist. This transparency will empower doctors to refuse treatment to repeat offenders, potentially leading to consequences like insurance companies cancelling coverage for abusive patients.
• Empowerment Through Skills: Doctors can develop additional skills beyond medical practice. This could involve areas like negotiation, communication, or even business management. Having these skills would give them greater leverage and bargaining power when dealing with corporations or the government.
• Respecting Your Time and Worth: Free services and endless accommodations for patients create a culture of disrespect. Doctors should charge for their time and expertise, refuse to give free advice to demanding patients, and set clear boundaries on appointments. Cancellation charges should be implemented to discourage missed appointments. This isn’t just about money; it’s about instilling a sense of value in healthcare and the role doctors play within the system.

Change won’t happen overnight, but every step counts. The challenges doctors face are just the tip of the iceberg, but by actively engaging in this process—from seasoned veterans to young doctors—a collective voice can emerge.

Working together, doctors can transform the healthcare system from a purely “patient-centric” model to one that also recognizes and protects the well-being of those dedicated to patient care, i.e., “doctor-centric.”