And Forget We Must Not, Those Who Went Before Us…
Anil John · Indian Journal of Public Health · 2025
Dear Editor, I comment on the Editorial “Abhaya’s Cries are Unanswered and Keep Echoing Every Day” published in response to the tragedy that shook Medical Institutions in India in August 2024. The authors highlighted “decades of insensitivity” and “erosion of consciences” compromising the “sanctity of welfare spaces” in the institution set up by Dr. Kar. Five months after these devastating events, it remains unclear whether student voices of protest have been stifled. This letter is a call to awaken our collective consciences into action and not let apathy prevail. A Kolkota court sentenced civic worker Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment for sexual assault and brutal murder.[1] While this verdict brings a semblance of justice, it is a smokescreen to cover the deep harm inflicted on the medical fraternity. Pervasive violence against healthcare professionals, particularly women, is the norm. Many view this verdict as an exception, with comments such as “at least he got punished” and “how many rapists have gone scot-free,” reflecting troubling acceptance of a system that often fails to protect its caregivers. Proactive measures can prevent such tragedies. Governments must provide comprehensive protection for healthcare facilities, especially night staff. While CCTVs provide evidence, they do little to prevent events from occurring. Healthcare professionals should be equipped with self-protection skills and provided nutritious food, secure resting places, and clean, safe amenities such as baths and washrooms. Adequate rest, time off, and fair remunerations for work done in extremely risky circumstances are essential to prevent burnout and reduced alertness on duty. Leveraging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) could mitigate risks by analyzing surveillance videos, restricting unauthorized access, and optimizing emergency security response systems. AI-enabled Apps integrated into biometric systems can restrict unauthorized access to facilities. Security personnel should be incorruptible. In the Kar case, corrupted systems were blamed for security lapses,[2] and the civic worker was where he should not have been. AI can optimize response systems, ensuring immediate distress notifications, streamlined incident reporting to centralized databases, and train healthcare professionals in handling aggression, conflict resolution, or emergency management.[3] Communication and collaboration among policymakers, law and order, judiciary, healthcare leaders, medical students, engineers, and civil servants should be routine to establish policies ensuring the safety and dignity of medical professionals. AI can provide actionable insights to guide policymakers design better laws for institutional safety. Let us create an environment where healthcare workers feel safe, valued, and empowered to serve. The well-being of these angels on earth is fundamental for a healthy nation. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.