This directive follows widespread outrage sparked by the tragic rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital, prompting healthcare workers nationwide to stage protests and demand enhanced safety measures.
In a proactive move to address escalating violence against healthcare staff, the Union Health Ministry has directed all government hospitals, both at the central and state levels, to promptly file police complaints within six hours of any violent incident on campus. Failure to comply will result in the head of the respective institution being held accountable. This directive follows widespread outrage sparked by the tragic rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, prompting healthcare workers nationwide to stage protests and demand enhanced safety measures. The incident has reignited calls for better protection and secure work environments for medical professionals across the country.
The office memorandum by Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr Atul Goel was issued to directors and medical superintendents of central government hospitals, including AIIMS, and principals of all medical colleges across the country. “It is stated that 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,” the memo read.
Recently it has been observed that violence has become common against doctors and other healthcare staff in government hospitals, the memo said.
The OM said a number of health workers suffer physical violence during the course of their duty and many are threatened or exposed to verbal aggression. Most of this violence is done either by patients or their attendants, it added.
Nationwide stir, medical services hit
Amidst nationwide protests by doctors, major government hospitals faced disruptions in their operations. Junior doctors at Lady Hardinge Medical College and Hospital and RML Hospital in the capital city protested the tragic rape and murder of a resident doctor, chanting ‘We want justice’. In a show of solidarity, the Resident Doctors Association at Government Medical College in Amritsar, Punjab, announced the suspension of non-essential services from August 16 until further notice. This includes Out Patient Departments, Operating Theaters, and wards. The protests extended to Guru Nanak Dev Hospital in Amritsar, where doctors voiced their demands for justice.