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Rachel V Thomas

National Doctors' Day 2026: Stronger Protection Against Violence In Healthcare Need Of The Hour, Say Doctors

Every year, National Doctors' Day is observed on July 1 to commemorate the birth and death anniversaries of Dr. <span>Bidhan Chandra Roy</span>, a renowned physician, freedom fighter, and educationist.

The National Doctors' Day 2026 theme is "Behind the Mask: Who Heals the Healers?" This year's theme highlights the importance of supporting the mental, emotional and physical well-being of doctors who dedicate their lives to caring for others.

On the occasion of Doctors' Day, <strong><em>HealthandMe </em></strong>spoke to medical experts who highlighted the growing concern over violence against healthcare workers. They warned that such incidents not only endanger doctors but also weaken the entire healthcare system.

The experts stressed that violence affects patient care, lowers morale among healthcare professionals and erodes trust between doctors and patients.

Their concerns are supported by recent research highlighting the scale of workplace violence faced by doctors in India.

A 2026 study published in the National Medical Journal of India, researchers from the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences (ABVIMS) found that 80.2 per cent of doctors in India reported having faced or witnessed workplace violence. 

Verbal abuse was identified as the most common form, followed by physical and sexual violence. The incidents affected doctors' mental health, with the impact lasting from several weeks to as long as a year.

The study also found that two-fifths of doctors sustained physical injuries, including 7.8 per cent who suffered grievous injuries.

More worryingly, only about one-third of doctors reported such incidents to hospital authorities or professional medical bodies. Even when complaints were made, no action was taken in nearly half the cases, suggesting gaps in institutional accountability.

<h2>Why <span rel="noindex">Violence Against Doctors</span> Happens</h2>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/times-network-health-summit-2026-violence-against-doctors-is-a-national-concern-says-ima-dilip-p-bhanushali-article-154700499" data-type="tilCustomLink">Violence Against Doctors Is A National Concern, Says IMA Dilip P. Bhanushali</a>

According to Dr Ishwar Gilada, Secretary General People's Health Organisation, India, several factors contribute to violence against doctors.

These include "high patient expectations, poor clinical outcomes, inadequate communication between doctors and patients, an overburdened healthcare system, high out-of-pocket medical expenses, weak security, misinformation, 'Mr. Google' providing false information, and limited accountability for perpetrators".

Dr. Tejinder Singh, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centres, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai added that anger and frustration arising from a patient's condition can sometimes fuel violent behavior, but emphasized that respect and meaningful dialogue are essential.

<h2>Impact On Patients And The Healthcare System</h2>

The experts said violence against healthcare workers has consequences that extend far beyond individual doctors.

Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, former President of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Cochin and Convener of the Research Cell, Kerala told <strong><em>HealthandMe </em></strong>that healthcare workers—including doctors, nurses, technicians and other staff—cannot give their best to patients if they are working under the threat of violence.

Dr. Gilada told <strong><em>HealthandMe</em></strong> that violence affects emergency care, lowers doctors' morale, increases attrition among healthcare professionals and encourages defensive medicine, where doctors order more tests to safeguard their own interests. He also warned that such incidents contribute to an erosion of trust between doctors, patients and the healthcare system.

Dr. Tejinder described violence against doctors as violence against the healthcare system itself, saying it creates a harmful atmosphere that ultimately affects patient care.

Violence Against Doctors In India: A Growing Crisis | Doctors' Day 2026

<h2>Not Every Poor Outcome Is Medical Negligence</h2>

Dr. Rajeev said there is often a perception that a poor outcome for a patient is the fault of the doctor or the hospital. He stressed that many adverse outcomes are part of the complex disease process within the body and can occur despite the best possible treatment.

Dr. Tejinder told <strong><em>HealthandMe </em></strong>that doctors are also human and that medical science cannot guarantee that every patient's problem can be cured, even when doctors do their best.

The experts proposed multiple measures to reduce violence against healthcare workers.

Dr. Gilada called for stronger legal protection, saying the Healthcare Protection and Clinical Services Act (Prevention of Violence Act) 2025 should be passed into law. He also recommended improving doctor-patient communication, strengthening hospital systems and increasing public awareness through collaboration among healthcare agencies, patients, communities, government bodies and law enforcement agencies.

Dr. Rajeev said hospitals should establish effective grievance redressal systems so that patients' concerns can be addressed before they escalate into violence. He also said healthcare establishments should be declared peaceful zones where violence is prohibited.

Dr. Tejinder urged patients and families to maintain open dialogue with doctors, emphasizing that doctors and patients ultimately share the same goal—the well-being and betterment of the patient.

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Every year, National Doctors' Day is observed on July 1 to commemorate the birth and death anniversaries of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, a renowned physician, freedom fighter, and educationist.The National Doctors' Day 2026 theme is "Behind the Mask: Who Heals the Healers?" This year's theme highlights the importance of supporting the mental, emotional and physical well-being of doctors who dedicate their lives to caring for others.On the occasion of Doctors' Day, HealthandMe spoke to medical experts who highlighted the growing concern over violence against healthcare workers. They warned that such incidents not only endanger doctors but also weaken the entire healthcare system.The experts stressed that violence affects patient care, lowers morale among healthcare professionals and erodes trust between doctors and patients.Their concerns are supported by recent research highlighting the scale of workplace violence faced by doctors in India.A 2026 study published in the National Medical Journal of India, researchers from the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences (ABVIMS) found that 80.2 per cent of doctors in India reported having faced or witnessed workplace violence. Verbal abuse was identified as the most common form, followed by physical and sexual violence. The incidents affected doctors' mental health, with the impact lasting from several weeks to as long as a year.The study also found that two-fifths of doctors sustained physical injuries, including 7.8 per cent who suffered grievous injuries.More worryingly, only about one-third of doctors reported such incidents to hospital authorities or professional medical bodies. Even when complaints were made, no action was taken in nearly half the cases, suggesting gaps in institutional accountability.Why Violence Against Doctors HappensAlso read: Violence Against Doctors Is A National Concern, Says IMA Dilip P. BhanushaliAccording to Dr Ishwar Gilada, Secretary General People's Health Organisation, India, several factors contribute to violence against doctors. These include "high patient expectations, poor clinical outcomes, inadequate communication between doctors and patients, an overburdened healthcare system, high out-of-pocket medical expenses, weak security, misinformation, 'Mr. Google' providing false information, and limited accountability for perpetrators".Dr. Tejinder Singh, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centres, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai added that anger and frustration arising from a patient's condition can sometimes fuel violent behavior, but emphasized that respect and meaningful dialogue are essential.Impact On Patients And The Healthcare SystemThe experts said violence against healthcare workers has consequences that extend far beyond individual doctors.Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, former President of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Cochin and Convener of the Research Cell, Kerala told HealthandMe that healthcare workers—including doctors, nurses, technicians and other staff—cannot give their best to patients if they are working under the threat of violence.Dr. Gilada told HealthandMe that violence affects emergency care, lowers doctors' morale, increases attrition among healthcare professionals and encourages defensive medicine, where doctors order more tests to safeguard their own interests. He also warned that such incidents contribute to an erosion of trust between doctors, patients and the healthcare system.Dr. Tejinder described violence against doctors as violence against the healthcare system itself, saying it creates a harmful atmosphere that ultimately affects patient care.   Not Every Poor Outcome Is Medical NegligenceDr. Rajeev said there is often a perception that a poor outcome for a patient is the fault of the doctor or the hospital. He stressed that many adverse outcomes are part of the complex disease process within the body and can occur despite the best possible treatment.Dr. Tejinder told HealthandMe that doctors are also human and that medical science cannot guarantee that every patient's problem can be cured, even when doctors do their best.What Is The Solution?The experts proposed multiple measures to reduce violence against healthcare workers.Dr. Gilada called for stronger legal protection, saying the Healthcare Protection and Clinical Services Act (Prevention of Violence Act) 2025 should be passed into law. He also recommended improving doctor-patient communication, strengthening hospital systems and increasing public awareness through collaboration among healthcare agencies, patients, communities, government bodies and law enforcement agencies.Dr. Rajeev said hospitals should establish effective grievance redressal systems so that patients' concerns can be addressed before they escalate into violence. He also said healthcare establishments should be declared peaceful zones where violence is prohibited.Dr. Tejinder urged patients and families to maintain open dialogue with doctors, emphasizing that doctors and patients ultimately share the same goal—the well-being and betterment of the patient.

national doctors' day 2026: stronger protection against violence in healthcare need of the hour, say doctors

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