New Delhi: In response to the recent rape-murder case of a Kolkata doctor, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has intensified its call for a central law to address violence against healthcare professionals and hospitals. In a letter to the National Task Force (NTF), which was established by the Supreme Court to develop protocols for ensuring the safety and security of healthcare workers, the IMA reiterated its demand for stringent measures to protect the medical community.
The IMA's submission to the NTF is divided into three main sections, each addressing critical concerns:
Demand for a Central Law on Violence Against Doctors and Hospitals: The IMA has urged the implementation of a central law that would serve as a deterrent against violence in healthcare settings. The letter included the IMA's study titled "Safety During Night Duty: Survey of 3,885 Doctors Across India," a draft proposal for a Central Act, and other relevant documents like the "Healthcare Service Personnel and Clinical Establishments (Prohibition of Violence and Damage to Property) Bill, 2019," and the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Act of September 2020.
The IMA emphasized that healthcare facilities across the country differ significantly in terms of infrastructure and human resources, making a uniform central law essential. The absence of such legislation, the IMA argued, has led to inadequate police action and suboptimal investigations and prosecutions in cases of violence against healthcare professionals.
Declaration of Hospitals as Safe Zones: The IMA proposed that hospitals be officially designated as "safe zones," a status that would be embedded within the proposed central law. This designation would entitle hospitals to specific security measures, ensuring the safety of both healthcare workers and patients. The IMA stressed that these security provisions should be implemented in a manner that remains patient-friendly and culturally sensitive.
Improvement of Working and Living Conditions for Resident Doctors: The IMA called for significant improvements in the working and living conditions of resident doctors, noting that despite numerous administrative and judicial pronouncements over the years, little progress has been made on the ground. The letter underscored the importance of the NTF's role in restoring confidence within the demoralized medical community.
The IMA, a national organization representing modern medicine doctors since 1928, highlighted its historical contributions, including its involvement in India's freedom struggle. With a presence in nearly all districts of the country through 1,800 local branches, 28 state branches, and 385,000 members, the IMA also operates within all medical colleges via its Junior Doctors Network and Medical Students Network.
In solidarity with the IMA's demands, the medical fraternity across India heeded the organization's call by withdrawing all services, except for emergency and casualty care, on August 17. The IMA's letter concludes by urging the NTF to meet the expectations of the medical profession and take decisive action to protect healthcare workers nationwide.
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