Healthcare Challenges in Tamil Nadu: Women’s Safety and Basic Necessities Overlooked
Nurses and doctors in Tamil Nadu face significant safety and infrastructure issues across government health facilities. Despite substantial funding for hospital infrastructure, fundamental needs such as secure environments and basic amenities are consistently neglected. Women, who account for 60% of the health workforce, often work without adequate security or proper rest facilities. Instances of harassment, both verbal and physical, are frequent, exacerbated by insufficient lighting, security personnel, and poorly maintained duty rooms.
A recent incident at Coimbatore Medical College highlighted these concerns, where a house surgeon was harassed in a poorly lit parking area, prompting protests from her peers. Long working hours in insecure conditions remain a norm, with postgraduate students recounting extended shifts without proper resting places or adequate security at night.
Additionally, nurses at PHCs face harassment from inebriated individuals and lack compound walls and security guards. This environment is compounded by inadequate basic amenities like clean toilets and secure resting areas, leading to heightened vulnerability during night shifts.
The Healthcare sector, represented by professionals like Dr. Tamil Selvi and Yogeshwaran Elangovan, advocate for improved safety and amenities. They call for stringent enforcement of the Hospital Protection Act and the revival of a specialized Hospital Protection Force. State Health Secretary Supriya Sahu acknowledges these issues and notes measures such as enhancing CCTV coverage and controlling visitor flow as steps forward.
Published – September 15, 2024, 01:28 am IST
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/demanding-a-minimum-guarantee-safety-for-women-in-health-workforce/article68643434.ece
Category : Chennai
Tags:
