The Union Health Ministry has mandated that all government hospitals, whether central or state-run, must file police complaints within six hours of any incident of violence on campus or against staff and healthcare workers.
A notice issued Friday morning stated that the head of the concerned institution will be held accountable if no complaint is filed within the specified time. The notice highlights the increasing violence against doctors and healthcare staff at government hospitals, noting that many have suffered physical assault or verbal aggression from patients or their attendants.
“Recently it has been observed that violence has become common against doctors and other healthcare staff at government hospitals. A number of healthcare workers suffered physical violence during the course of their duty. Many were threatened or exposed to verbal aggression,” the notice read.
In the event of any violence against healthcare workers while on duty, the notice directs that the Head of the institution must file an institutional FIR within a maximum of six hours.
In the event of any violence against any healthcare worker while on duty, the Head of Institution shall be responsible for filing an Institutional FIR within a maximum of 6 hours of the incident: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare pic.twitter.com/2YGDZVRx8O
— ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2024
This directive comes amidst widespread protests following the rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The incident has led to strikes by medical professionals across the country, demanding improved safety and protection.
The Calcutta High Court has criticized the Bengal government in connection with the case, responding to petitions from the doctor’s family alleging administrative lapses. The state and police have denied any negligence, including accusations of mishandling the case and failing to secure the crime scene.
The doctor’s body, found on August 9 in a seminar room at RG Kar Hospital, was subjected to a brutal autopsy revealing severe injuries. The killing has incited significant agitation among doctors in Kolkata, Bengal, and across India, leading to vandalism at the hospital.
The High Court has questioned the police about allowing a mob of 7,000 to gather and has directed the CBI to submit an interim report on the vandalism. The case has been handed over to the CBI to ensure prompt justice, with the court emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
