IMA Demands Central Law for Doctor Safety, Revival of 2019 Bill

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has urged Union Health Minister J P Nadda to enact a special central law to prevent violence against doctors. They also requested that hospitals be declared safe zones. This plea comes as resident doctors across the country protested and went on strike following the recent rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee in Kolkata, highlighting concerns about medical staff safety.

The IMA pointed out that while 25 states have laws against attacks on doctors and hospitals, these laws are largely ineffective. The absence of a central law is a significant issue. "We kindly request you to reconsider introducing the Draft Legislation The Healthcare Service Personnel and Clinical Establishments Prohibition of violence and damage to property Bill, 2019, incorporating the amendments in the Epidemic Diseases Act 1897, approved and passed by the Parliament in Epidemic Diseases Amendment Act, 2020," the IMA stated.

Need for Central Law

The 2019 bill, drafted by the Health Ministry, aimed to curb violence against healthcare professionals but was shelved after the Home Ministry deemed it unnecessary. The draft included provisions for up to 10 years of imprisonment for those who assault on-duty doctors and other healthcare workers.

The IMA had given authorities a 48-hour ultimatum to arrest those responsible for the Kolkata incident. "This crime is an index of the anarchy and insecurity prevailing in the campus. IMA HQs mourns the death of this precious daughter of India and condemns the existing situations that enabled this crime to be committed with impunity inside the campus," they said.

Security Measures

The IMA also demanded that hospitals nationwide be declared safe zones with defined security measures. They questioned why airports have three-layer security while hospitals do not receive similar protection. "We can never fathom out why our airports are safe zones with three-layer security while hospitals are given a pause. Neither do we understand why violence on airline staff and their work disruptions deserve special legislations while doctors and hospitals are expected to fend for themselves," they wrote.

The association called for police camps in major government hospitals and adequate security personnel in large private hospitals. They also recommended mandatory CCTV cameras at vulnerable points within hospital premises.

Call for Action

From the West Bengal state government, the IMA demanded an impartial investigation into the Kolkata case and punishment for those involved. They also called for an inquiry into the conditions that allowed such a crime to occur. The IMA had set a two-day deadline for these demands and is consulting with state branches on further actions.

In their letter, the IMA highlighted that doctors have faced violence for decades, dealing with poor working conditions and heavy workloads. "Pedestrian working conditions, inhuman workload and violence in the workplace are the reality. Doctors take huge stress on themselves. Doctors deserve better consideration from the governments," they said.

The association stressed that without corrective measures, incidents like the murder of the young doctor in Kolkata would continue. They reiterated their call for hospitals to be declared safe zones with specific legal definitions and protections.

The IMA has sought an appointment with Nadda to discuss these issues further. They emphasized that ensuring safety in educational institutions is crucial and reflects on administrative competence.