In recent times, a deeply troubling trend of physical assaults against medical professionals has been on the rise. Medical professionals, who have committed their lives to the noble cause of healing and saving lives, are now themselves becoming victims of violence. Social media posts are filled with the frustration of medical professionals, regretting their decision to stay at home. It is a grievous concern that warrants not only our attention but also immediate and decisive action from our government. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's assurance to Nepal Medical Association (NMA) on Thursday that all those responsible for physical assaults against doctors will be held accountable is a step in the right direction. He has pledged that those responsible for physically assaulting doctors will face the full force of the law. While this commitment is encouraging, we must emphasize the need for swift and stringent actions against those behind physical assaults against medical professionals.

Doctors are not gods; they are human beings who have chosen a profession of immense responsibility and sacrifice. They do not possess magical powers to guarantee the preservation of every life that comes under their care. In the course of medical treatment, tragic incidents may occur, and patients may not always recover. However, this reality should never be an excuse for resorting to violence. The sanctity of the doctor-patient relationship must be upheld. It is a bond of trust, where patients rely on doctors to provide the best possible care based on their knowledge, skills, and the available resources. Medical professionals, despite their tireless efforts, cannot always prevent unfortunate outcomes. But this fact should never justify any act of aggression against them. The recent incident in Hetauda, where Dr Bikash Thapa and Dr Prashant Bidari were brutally attacked while attending to patients at Sancho Hospital, is a stark example of the growing problem. The NMA has rightly condemned this appalling act and demanded justice.

It is heartening to see that the police have arrested four individuals in connection with this incident. However, this should not be seen as the end of the matter but rather the beginning of a broader effort to curb such violence. The Safety and Security of Health Workers and Health Institutions Act (First Amendment) must be enforced rigorously. This legislation was enacted to protect the safety and security of medical professionals, recognizing the vital role they play in society. It is imperative that those who assault healthcare workers face the consequences as per the existing laws. Strict enforcement will serve as a deterrent and send a clear message that violence against medical professionals will not be tolerated. Furthermore, it is crucial for society to understand the limitations of medical science. Doctors work diligently to save lives, but they cannot guarantee success in every case. The pursuit of justice should not be confused with vengeance against healthcare workers when the outcomes are not as expected.

As a newspaper, we commend Prime Minister Dahal for his commitment to address this pressing issue. However, we urge the government to go beyond assurances and take concrete steps to protect our medical professionals. This includes raising awareness about the vital role doctors play in our society and the importance of treating them with respect and empathy, even in the face of unfortunate medical outcomes. Additionally, we call on the government to provide adequate security measures for healthcare facilities and medical professionals working in high-risk areas. It is the responsibility of the state to ensure that doctors can perform their duties without fearing for their safety. We as a society must stand united against any form of violence directed at our healthcare heroes and support the government in its efforts to ensure their safety and security. Only through a collective commitment to this cause can we safeguard the future of healthcare in Nepal and guarantee that our doctors can continue to serve with dedication and compassion.

 
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