COVID-19: A ‘Violent’ pandemic for health care workers in India

Abstract

Aims and Objectives: This study aims at detailed analysis of various incidents of violence to doctors during the time of COVID 19 pandemic all over India. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Study Duration: 3 months, First Patient of COVID 19 Pandemic reported in India to the Presidential Assent to The Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 -30 January, 2020 to 23 April, 2020. Inclusion Criteria: All Incidents of violence against health care workers in India reported by English media (print and online). Exclusion: Incidents of violence against health care workers in India reported by testimonies, hearsay, social media, organisations/ associations/professional bodies, feedback/complaints, government reports. Results: There were 49 incidents of violence after the COVID-19 pandemic and related to it. Majority of the incidents were in South India. The urban areas had more incidents about 88%. The violence happened mainly in community 67%. The health care team were the overall target of the violence which included doctors, nurses, nursing attenders and others including ambulance drivers. Doctors were targeted in majority (33%) and the team (33%) were affected in the violence. The incidents included verbal, physical, psychological, social and sexual violence. The majority were verbal (60%) and physical (50%) violence. The majority were the mob or community who were involved in the violence. Conclusion: The violence against doctors and other health workers is not uncommon, the incidence seems high and unprecedent in India during this COVID -19 pandemic. . It should also be confirmed that violence against doctors and health care workers is strongly dealt with to serve as a deterrent and reassure the medical fraternity. Keywords: COVID-19, Doctors, Violence.