Ranchi: Doctors in the state on Tuesday appealed to the public to show empathy and cooperate with healthcare workers, saying a safe environment is essential for quality patient care. They also reiterated their demand for a Medical Protection Act on the eve of National Doctors ‘ Day.The state witnessed several incidents of health workers being attacked or assaulted over allegations of medical negligence. Doctors said attacks on medical staff and vandalism of hospital property not only weaken morale but also disrupt treatment of other patients.Dr Mrityunjay Singh, secretary of Jharkhand State Health Services Association, said doctors always try their best to save every patient, though unfortunate outcomes can occur. “We also respect the grief of family members of patients. We too expect them to be empathetic and understand our limitations,” Singh said.He said every act of aggression creates fear among healthcare workers. “To prevent such incidents, doctors in Jharkhand have been demanding implementation of a Medical Protection Act since 2001 and consider assaulting doctors a non-bailable offence. Around 20 states, including neighbouring Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Odisha, have already implemented such a law to safeguard healthcare professionals,” Singh added.Indian Medical Association ‘s Ranchi branch president, Dr Shekhar Choudhari Kajal, said the demand for protective legislation remains firm, but people must also safeguard one another. “Only if all sections become empathetic towards each other can these kinds of incidents be curbed. IMA stands firm in its demand for a protective Act,” he added.Dr Partha Kumar Choudhary, professor at Rims’ paediatrics department, said critically ill patients suffer most during violence. “When doctors see a patient in a critical condition, they tend to refer the patient to other hospitals, fearing assault. The golden hour is often lost during the referral, leading to death in many cases. So the Medical Protection Act is needed not just to safeguard doctors but to save patients as well,” Choudhary added.