HC seeks to know doctor-patient ratio in Delhi hospitals

New Delhi, May 19 (IANS) The Delhi High Court on Friday sought to know from the government the ideal doctor-patient ratio and the actual ratio in hosipitals in the national capital.

A bench of acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Pratibha M. Singh also wanted to know from the authorities about the number of cases they have lodged in cases of violence against doctors and the prosecution carried out.

The court's direction came while hearing a case initiated by its own based on media reports of doctors facing violence by patients or their kin.

"We became concerned when the (AIIMS) doctors said they will learn taekwondo," said the bench.

"We are troubled about the state of affairs -- safety and security of medical specialist in hospitals as well as the lack of sufficient experts to provide health care in hospitals," it added.

It directed the authorities to publicise information to the public about the various provisions in law which prescribe punishment for violence against doctors.

The court asked the government why it was not increasing the strength of doctors in Delhi's hospitals to improve patient care and lessen the burden on existing doctors.

Noting that "doctors are working beyond their capacity", it said: "Why don't you increase the medical practitioner's strength in existing hospital? There are such wonderful doctors in the country. We have the best medical education where people from other countries come to study."

The bench had earlier sought a status report on provision of adequate security to the doctors, nurses and staff in public hospitals in the capital, while taking into the media reports saying "one in two doctors in public hospitals face violence and that there has been an increase in such incidents".

The court has posted the case for further hearing on June 29.