In the wake of increasing incidents of violence against medical professionals, the Jammu and Kashmir government has mandated that all doctors and paramedical staff in government healthcare institutions wear white aprons and clearly display nameplates during duty hours. This directive, issued by the Health and Medical Education Department, aims to improve accountability, transparency, and patient interaction within these institutions.
The order follows observations that many healthcare professionals were not adhering to the prescribed dress code, causing difficulties for patients in identifying medical personnel. The circular emphasizes that the lack of visible aprons and nameplates has made it difficult for patients and their attendants to identify healthcare personnel, thereby affecting communication and service delivery.
The directive explicitly states that "all doctors, including those working under the National Health Mission (NHM) and Ayush, as well as paramedical staff, are required to wear proper white aprons and display clearly legible nameplates with their full name and designation". Heads of institutions, Medical Superintendents, and Chief Medical Officers have been instructed to enforce strict compliance with the order across the Union Territory.
This mandate comes in response to a series of assaults on doctors in Jammu and Kashmir hospitals, highlighting a growing crisis and a breakdown of trust within the healthcare system. Recent incidents include an assault on a resident doctor at Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital in Srinagar and another on a female doctor at Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu. In the SMHS incident, a doctor was slapped by a patient's relative after the patient died in the emergency room. Similarly, the GMC Jammu incident involved the assault of two female doctors by attendants following a patient's passing.
These incidents have sparked protests and strikes by doctors demanding better security measures and justice for the assaults. Doctors have expressed feeling increasingly vulnerable and stressed due to the fear of violence, which can impact their ability to provide quality care. The lack of security, coupled with the high patient load and long working hours, creates a challenging environment for healthcare professionals in the region.
The government's directive to enforce the wearing of white aprons and nameplates is seen as a step towards improving transparency and making it easier for patients to identify and communicate with medical staff. It is hoped that this measure will also foster a sense of accountability among healthcare providers. However, some argue that addressing the root causes of violence, such as improving infrastructure, increasing security, and enhancing communication with patients' families, is also crucial.
In addition to the dress code mandate, there are calls for stricter laws, non-bailable warrants for assailants, and enhanced security measures, including trained personnel in emergency wards and ICUs. Some also suggest implementing the Medical Protection Act nationwide, declaring hospitals as protected zones, and establishing fast-track courts for cases involving violence against medical staff.
