Addressing the Rising Fear Among Healthcare Professionals in India

At a recent Health Summit in Hyderabad, Dr. Dilip P. Bhanushali of the Indian Medical Association addressed the alarming rise of fear among doctors due to workplace violence. With three out of four doctors reporting experiences of violence, this issue is reshaping medical practice in India. Dr. Bhanushali emphasized that this fear leads to defensive medicine, impacting decision-making and morale among healthcare workers. He also highlighted the consequences of eroded trust in the healthcare system, warning that violence against medical professionals ultimately harms patient care. The discussion underscored the urgent need for systemic change to protect healthcare workers and ensure quality care for patients.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 20, 2026, 18:42 IST

A Growing Concern in Indian Healthcare

During the Health Summit held in Hyderabad, Dr. Dilip P. Bhanushali, the National President of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), highlighted a troubling issue affecting the medical community in India: fear. He pointed out that many doctors are now working under the looming threat of violence, which is significantly altering the practice of medicine across the nation.

Dr. Bhanushali presented alarming statistics, revealing that approximately 75% of doctors in India have encountered some form of workplace violence throughout their careers. Furthermore, over 60% of healthcare professionals have faced abuse, primarily verbal, although physical assaults are also on the rise. He emphasized that emergency departments are particularly hazardous environments for medical staff. Between 2021 and 2025, there were 149 reported incidents of violence against healthcare workers, yet only a small number led to legal repercussions, leaving many doctors feeling vulnerable and unsupported.

He elaborated that this pervasive fear extends beyond the immediate threat of violence, influencing every decision made by healthcare providers. "When doctors operate under fear, defensive medicine becomes prevalent," he stated, cautioning that anxiety-driven, risk-averse choices are increasingly common in Indian healthcare settings. Additionally, he noted that when healthcare workers feel unsafe, it adversely affects their morale, and many aspiring medical students are deterred from pursuing essential specialties after witnessing repeated acts of violence.

Dr. Bhanushali explained the origins of this fear, stating that when a patient dies despite the best efforts of the medical team, the resulting grief often targets the nearest doctor, even though they may not be responsible for the circumstances leading to the death, such as bed shortages or the limitations of medical science. He asserted that while medical errors should be examined "fairly, transparently, scientifically," accountability should never justify violence. As he articulated, "When treatment succeeds, medicine receives the praise; when it fails, the doctor bears the blame."

He emphasized that trust is essential in healthcare, describing it as "the oxygen of healthcare," and warned that its decline has repercussions for everyone involved, not just the medical professionals. Citing the IMA's longstanding stance, he reiterated that violence against healthcare workers undermines the entire system, ultimately jeopardizing patient care. He referenced the R.G. Kar Medical College incident in Kolkata as an example of effective organized resistance, noting that the IMA's prompt action led to the Supreme Court establishing a national body to address this crisis.