Global Incidence of Violence Against Healthcare Workers
Status: Ongoing
Topic Tags: violence against healthcare workers, India
SDG Tags: Good Health and Well-being; Decent Work and Economic Growth; Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Scope: India and Global
Sponsors: None
ASAR Members involved: Anoushka Arora, Divya Shrinivas, Uma Gupta
Collaborators: Insecurity Insight
Summary
Violence against healthcare workers (VAHCW) is a rising problem that must be addressed. Data suggests that HCWs are four times more likely to be assaulted than other professionals in their workplace. Moreover, there has been a steep rise in violence against HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ASAR has collaborated with Insecurity Insight - a non-profit organisation that documents threats faced by people who live or work in dangerous environments - to analyse the global data on VAHCW.
Research Aims
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To analyse the global burden of violence against healthcare workers.
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To identify gaps in systemic databases.
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To understand the magnitude of VAHCW in India as compared to other countries.
Advocacy Aims
The global data analysis of VAHCW will help people understand the magnitude of the problem. ASAR has started a public petition asking lawmakers to bring forth necessary legislative reforms to protect India’s HCWs. Moreover, the petition will bring about a positive behavioural change in the community towards HCWs.