The state chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has introduced a registry to systematically record every case of violence against doctors in Maharashtra. The objective is to create a database, provide support, identify repeat criminals and maintain pressure on authorities to act against the wrongdoers.

Senior family physician Avinash Bhondwe, the president of the state chapter of IMA, said that the online registry has become active and they are using an internet-based application to organize and compile the data of such occurrences where a doctor has faced physical attack, abuse and intimidation anywhere in Maharashtra. This is the first of its kind registry in the country, prepared by IMA.

He further said that there is a need to infuse fear of law in minds of people and establish restriction to avoid violence in any form against doctors. The registry will surely serve this purpose.

The IMA has 210 branches in Maharashtra and 43,000 doctors are attached to them. An office-bearer of the IMA in each district will report every case against doctors, students pursuing medical education and even doctors who are not attached to the IMA.

The information would be testified on the web-based application. They have developed a systematic format in which information about violence has to be filled. Every case in their jurisdiction will be reported within 24 hours.

Pathologist Dinesh Thakre, the vice-president of IMA, state branch, said that the registry will have district wise information. If a doctor wants to know if a patient or relatives had a history of abusing or depreciating a doctor, s/he can access this registry and search for the information.

Source: ET Healthworld