NEW DELHI: Chief Justice NV Ramana on Saturday expressed deep concern over rising incidents of violence and lodging of false cases against doctors across India and said they need a secure environment to discharge their selfless service to the society.
Releasing the book ‘Atlas of Breast Elastography and Ultrasound Guided Fine Needle Cytology’ by Col CC Pant and Vaneeta Kapur, the CJI said, “Breast cancer is becoming one of the leading causes of concern in our society. Considering the socio-economic considerations in our country, this disease can be a curse for the entire family.”
“Right from diagnosis to treatment, at every stage, the patient has to shell out substantial amounts. Very few can afford such expenses. This is because most cases get detected and diagnosed at the advanced stages, either due to existing stigma or lack of awareness,” he said.
On the worrying scenario of increasing physical threats to doctors at the workplace, the CJI said, “I am extremely saddened to witness rising violence against doctors. Several false cases are being lodged against upright and hardworking doctors. They need a better, and more secure, working environment.”
A bench led by CJI in the recent past had ordered state governments to provide adequate security to judicial officers, who too faced similar threats to their lives by rogue elements. The CJI said there are some pending cases where incidents of attacks on doctors by relatives of the deceased patient are under consideration of the apex court and that suitable measures must be taken to protect doctors.
Underlining the importance of gynaecologists to ensure better health for women in general, CJI Ramana said, “…87,090 women died of breast cancer in 2018, which is the second highest number in the world for that year.”
