In a decisive move to combat escalating violence against healthcare workers, India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a memorandum mandating the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) within six hours of any such incident. The directive, issued to heads of government hospitals across the country, emphasizes the urgency of addressing these attacks and holding perpetrators accountable.
The memorandum, signed by Atul Goel, Union Director General of Health Services (DGHS), acknowledges the alarming trend of violence against doctors and other healthcare staff at government hospitals. It states, “A number of healthcare workers suffered physical violence during the course of their duty. Many were threatened or exposed to verbal aggression.” The memorandum specifically highlights the need for prompt action, emphasizing 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.”
This directive follows a disturbing incident in Kolkata where doctors at RG Kar College and Hospital were allegedly attacked by a mob during a protest on Wednesday night. The protest was in response to the alleged rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor who was found dead in the hospital’s seminar room on August 9.
Dr. Sreeja, a senior resident doctor at AIIMS Mangalagiri, expressed her outrage at the attack, stating, “On the eve of Independence Day, the protesting doctors at RG Kar faced mob attacks and also police attacks. The hospital was vandalized and evidence was erased.” She further condemned the violence, calling it “a crime against women and humanity.” She also called for a transparent investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and demanded adequate compensation for the victim’s family.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for greater protection for healthcare workers across the country. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s directive aims to address these concerns and ensure that acts of violence against medical professionals are met with swift and decisive action. The mandate for prompt FIR filing represents a significant step towards creating a safer environment for those dedicated to providing essential healthcare services.
