CJI DY Chandrachud Advocates for Safer Working Conditions for Women Doctors in Public Hospitals

In a groundbreaking move, Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud has brought to light a critical issue that has long plagued the healthcare sector: the compromised safety and working conditions of doctors, especially women, in government hospitals. His recent statements reflect a deep concern for the well-being of these healthcare professionals, who are on the frontline of patient care but often face hazardous working conditions.

For years, women interns, residents, and senior doctors in public hospitals have been silently enduring conditions that many would find unacceptable. Imagine working 36-hour shifts without the opportunity to rest properly, in environments where basic facilities like separate duty rooms and restrooms are either non-existent or grossly inadequate. This is the harsh reality faced by many women doctors across the country, who, despite their critical roles, find themselves in perilous situations.

The Chief Justice's call for a national-level protocol to address these issues is a welcome and much-needed intervention. His emphasis on the need for standardization in safety measures is more than just a bureaucratic request; it's a lifeline for countless professionals who risk their health and safety to care for others. With 29% of Indian doctors being women, over 80% of nursing staff comprised of women, and 100% of ASHA workers being female, the call for improved working conditions is not just about compliance but about respecting and safeguarding the individuals who are pivotal to our healthcare system.

One of the key issues highlighted by the CJI is the absence of separate duty rooms where doctors can rest during their extended shifts. This lack of basic amenities not only affects their physical well-being but also their mental health and job efficiency. Long hours of work without proper rest can lead to burnout, affecting their ability to provide the high-quality care their patients deserve.

Additionally, the lack of separate restrooms for doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff adds to the discomfort and stress experienced by these professionals. The CJI’s insistence on creating a standardized protocol aims to address these fundamental issues, ensuring that healthcare workers have access to necessary facilities and are not subjected to undue stress and risk.

The proposed national protocol should include several critical measures:

Rest and Recovery Facilities: Establishing separate, comfortable duty rooms for doctors and medical staff to rest during their shifts, ensuring they are well-rested and can perform their duties effectively.

Improved Hygiene Facilities: Providing clean, separate restrooms for doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff to maintain dignity and hygiene.

Shift Regulations: Implementing regulations to manage shift lengths and ensure regular breaks, thereby reducing the risk of burnout and errors due to fatigue.

Safety Protocols: Developing comprehensive safety protocols to protect healthcare workers from physical and emotional harm.

Mental Health Support: Providing access to mental health resources and counseling to support the well-being of healthcare professionals.

By addressing these issues, the national protocol will not only improve the working conditions for women doctors but also enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of public hospitals. The CJI’s intervention marks a significant step towards recognizing and rectifying the systemic problems faced by healthcare professionals, ensuring that they can continue to serve with the dignity and respect they truly deserve.

This development is more than just a policy change; it's a reaffirmation of our commitment to valuing and protecting those who dedicate their lives to the care of others. Source: business-standard