MADURAI: In the wake of the recent attack on a doctor in Chennai, social activists seek deployment of counsellors to handle problems and avoid friction between patients and doctors in government hospitals.
Speaking to TNIE, Red Cross Society (Madurai) Coordinator Rajkumar said, "Almost all patients and their attenders are from economically backward families and are ignorant about health ailments. When patients and attenders are emotional and doctors already busy in their work, avoid speaking to them, this causes friction between patients and doctors. In order to avoid such situations, government facilities should deploy counsellors to mediate issues. This could be a psychological counsellor, social worker or health volunteer. One counsellor in each ward could make a difference."
Social Activist C Anandraj said, "Many doctors are aware of the rights of patients. Besides, we should not blame the doctors for all the issues. For example, a doctor practising in a private facility would handle 10-20 patients daily. The same doctors are forced to handle more than 200 patients in government facilities. When the patient-to-doctor ratio comes down, the doctor is less stressed and can handle the patient by himself."
Speaking to TNIE, Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) Madurai Dean Dr Arul Sundaresh said, "Though this is a good idea, such counselling and advice for patients is already part of the curriculum for MBBS students. Besides, the 'May I Help You' service is deployed in outpatient wards in all departments at the GRH. An NGO is offering the service to outpatients, but if this mechanism is in place for inpatients as well, it could resolve many issues."