THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a bid to protect all medical professionals from physical and verbal attacks, The Kerala cabinet on Wednesday approved the ordinance, amending the Kerala Healthcare Service Persons and Healthcare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence & Damage to Property) Act, 2012, by including stringent penal provisions against the perpetrators of violence against hospitals and expanding the scope of the definition of healthcare workers.
The ordinance will be sent to honourable Governor Arif Mohammed Khan for his consent and promulgation as law.

"The Hospital Protection Act Amendment Ordinance was approved by the Kerala Cabinet. The Kerala Health Care Service Workers and Health Care Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Amendment Ordinance, 2012, has been brought into effect following today's (Wednesday) Cabinet meeting, a statemnt read.

The law mandates a minimum of six months in prison and a maximum of seven years. Healthcare personnel are shielded from abuse and insults by the law. The law also covers medical professionals who work in the Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic fields as well as medical trainees. According to the Ordinance, if property is damaged in a medical facility, the offender may be fined up to six times the value of the damaged item.

The ordinance was passed in response to the gruesome murder of Dr. Vandana Das by a guy who was taken to the hospital by the police for a medical examination. In Kochi on Monday, a patient also attacked another doctor.

The amendments also satisfies the medical community's most critical and strident demand, which was that a specific deadline be established for the conclusion of the investigation of cases filed under the Act and the sentence of the accused.

About Hospital Protection Ordinance: The Hospital Protection Ordinance is a legislation designed to safeguard the security, privacy, and well-being of patients, medical staff, and hospital facilities. This ordinance aims to establish comprehensive guidelines and protocols to address various concerns related to hospital security and ensure the smooth functioning of healthcare facilities.

Key provisions of the Hospital Protection Ordinance include:

Security Measures: The ordinance mandates hospitals to implement robust security measures, such as surveillance systems, access controls, and trained security personnel, to prevent unauthorized entry and ensure the safety of patients and staff. This includes regular security assessments and the implementation of emergency response plans.

Patient Confidentiality: The ordinance emphasizes the importance of patient confidentiality and privacy. It requires hospitals to implement strict measures to protect patient information, including electronic medical records, from unauthorized access or disclosure. Additionally, it outlines procedures for obtaining patient consent for data sharing and enforces penalties for any breaches of patient confidentiality.

Staff Safety: The ordinance recognizes the importance of ensuring a safe working environment for medical staff. It requires hospitals to provide adequate training, resources, and support to employees to handle potentially violent or disruptive situations. It also promotes the reporting and investigation of incidents of violence or harassment against healthcare workers.

Public Awareness: The Hospital Protection Ordinance emphasizes the need for public awareness regarding hospital security and patient rights. It mandates hospitals to educate patients, visitors, and staff about their roles and responsibilities, emergency procedures, and the consequences of violating hospital policies.

Collaboration with Law Enforcement: The ordinance encourages collaboration between hospitals and law enforcement agencies to address security threats effectively. It establishes protocols for reporting incidents, sharing information, and coordinating responses in case of emergencies or criminal activities.

Penalties and Enforcement: The Hospital Protection Ordinance outlines penalties for non-compliance with the regulations. It empowers regulatory bodies to conduct inspections, investigate complaints, and take appropriate action against hospitals or individuals found in violation of the ordinance.

The Hospital Protection Ordinance aims to create a secure and supportive environment within healthcare facilities, ensuring the safety and well-being of all stakeholders. By addressing security concerns, protecting patient confidentiality, and promoting staff safety, this legislation contributes to the overall quality of healthcare services provided by hospitals.