New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday held a meeting of its Core Group on Health and Mental Health to discuss the rights of patients and doctors. The meeting was chaired by Justice Arun Mishra, Chairperson, NHRC. Other dignitaries present on the occasion included eminent doctors, senior health officials, representatives of various government departments, and members of the National Medical Commission.
The main issues discussed in the meeting related to the rights of doctors and patients. The doctors were of the opinion that the current working conditions of the doctors are not in line with international standards and that they are facing problems like long working hours, continuous shifts, lack of proper restrooms, hygiene, lack of rest, and more.
The government was also asked to take concrete steps to address the problem of medical negligence.
In connection with the case of deaths by suicide among medical students, the Secretary General of the NHRC, Bharat Lal, said that the government should take all necessary measures to prevent suicide of medical students. The NHRC also constituted a committee under the chairmanship of the Director, NIMHANS, Bangalore, to look into the matter of deaths by suicide and drop-outs of medical students.
Other important issues discussed in the meeting related to the rights of patients, including the lack of basic facilities in the rural areas, the problem of unemployment in the medical sector, and the need for reforms in the social security system.
The meeting was held in hybrid mode. NHRC Chairperson emphasized that the healthcare system in India is overburdened. There is a dire need to implement the existing laws and schemes for the welfare of all, especially the Ayushman Bharat scheme. He also urged the government to take concrete steps to address the challenges faced by the doctors and patients in the healthcare system.