Central Government Mandates FIR Filing Within Six Hours for Violence Against Healthcare Workers
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/16th August 2024
In a decisive move to address the rising violence against healthcare professionals, the central government issued a directive on Friday mandating that government hospitals must file a First Information Report (FIR) within six hours of any incident involving verbal or physical abuse against doctors and other healthcare staff. This policy aims to combat the disturbing trend of violence faced by medical personnel in the line of duty.
The notice highlights the growing concern over the safety of healthcare workers, noting a surge in incidents where doctors and staff are subjected to physical aggression and verbal abuse. “Recent observations indicate that such violence has become increasingly common in government hospitals,” the directive states. It emphasizes that many health workers are enduring physical attacks or threats while performing their duties.
Under the new rule, the head of each medical institution is tasked with the responsibility of promptly filing an FIR following any act of violence. This policy stipulates that an FIR must be lodged within a maximum of six hours from the time of the incident. The directive underscores that such violence is often perpetrated by patients or their attendants, thereby placing an onus on institutional leaders to ensure timely reporting and action.
This development comes in the wake of widespread outrage over a recent tragic event involving a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College. The brutal rape and murder of the doctor has ignited protests from medical professionals across the country. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for a 24-hour nationwide withdrawal of non-emergency services, starting from 6 am on August 17, 2024.
The IMA’s decision to withdraw services is a direct response to the increasing violence faced by healthcare workers and the inadequate safety measures in place. Essential services, including emergency care, will remain operational during this period, but outpatient departments and elective surgeries will be suspended. The IMA’s action reflects the serious concern over the safety and well-being of doctors, particularly given the recent violent incidents.
The association’s statement highlights the vulnerability of medical professionals, especially women, to violence in their workplace. It calls on authorities to take responsibility for ensuring the safety of healthcare workers and to address the issues of indifference and insensitivity towards their needs. The IMA’s protest aims not only to demand justice for the murdered doctor but also to push for enhanced security measures within medical institutions nationwide.
The new directive by the central government is expected to strengthen the legal framework for protecting healthcare workers and ensuring that incidents of violence are addressed swiftly and effectively. By imposing a strict timeline for filing FIRs, the government aims to create a deterrent against such attacks and reinforce the commitment to safeguarding those who serve on the front lines of public health.
