The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in collaboration with APPNA Institute of Public Health of Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre (JPMC) and Ziauddin University launched a research report on violence against health care in Karachi.
Health Minister Jam Mehtab Hussain Dahar, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said the report identified problems faced by health care providers and patients, and paved the way for improvement. “This report will guide us in the development of effective policies to better protect healthcare from violence and its consequences,” said Mehtab.
The event was attended by civil society, government officials, law enforcement agencies, members of health community, emergency services and media. Research participants included doctors, nurses, paramedics, security guards and other hospital staff, ambulance service drivers and staff, media and law enforcement agencies.
The Dean AAPNA Institute of Public Health and principal investigator of the research project, Dr Lubna Baig, said the objectives of the study were to identify different types of violence and assess its impact on the victims. “Almost two-third of the participants had either experienced or witnessed some kind of violence in the past year and one third having been attacked either orally or physically,” said Dr Lubna.
According to the report, verbal violence was experienced more than physical violence. Patients’ attendants were found to be the chief perpetrators. Incidents included abusive language, pushing and pulling, threats, and use of fists and feet. Simultaneously, a legal review was also conducted by Research Society of International Law (RSIL) to take stock of the legal framework within which the Karachi healthcare sector operates.
The ICRC Head of Delegation in Pakistan, Mr Reto Stocker, reiterated ICRC’s unwavering commitment to support the authorities and other local actors in ensuring the report results into concrete actions to improve the situation. In addition, he said: “The authorities in Karachi have not only owned but significantly contributed towards this initiative to make Karachi a safe place for both patients and healthcare professionals”.
The report puts forward recommendations including capacity-building for healthcare providers, improved security facilities, clear mechanisms of triage and adaptation of strict regulation by health facilities, increased coordination with law enforcement agencies, public awareness campaigns, improving the existing legal framework, psycho-social support for the victims and increased community engagement.