The tragic rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at Kolkata RG Kar Medical College has ignited a powerful outcry from medical professionals across India. This horrific incident has shone a spotlight on the rampant violence and harassment faced by doctors in the healthcare system, prompting widespread protests and calls for enhanced safety measures.
In response to the tragedy, doctors and medical students are rallying for the implementation of a nationwide Central Protection Act for Doctors. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has reached out to the health ministry, highlighting that while all 25 states have laws aimed at protecting doctors, these are often poorly enforced. The demand is for a central law to ensure robust security and safety for healthcare workers.
The proposed legislation, known as the ‘Prevention of Violence Against Healthcare Professionals and Clinical Establishments Bill, 2022,’ was initially introduced in the Lok Sabha two years ago. This bill, also referred to as the Central Protection Act for Doctors, seeks to address violence against healthcare professionals by defining such acts, establishing penalties, and setting up a grievance redressal mechanism. It aims to cover a broad range of healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, medical and nursing students, and support staff.
Despite its introduction, the bill was not pursued after then-health minister Mansukh Mandaviya noted that its objectives were largely addressed by the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance 2020. The recent tragic events have reignited calls for the bill’s urgent implementation.
On August 9, a post-graduate doctor was found dead in a seminar hall at RG Kar Medical College, with reports confirming she had been raped. This devastating event has led to a surge of protests within the medical community and beyond, amplifying the demand for stronger protective measures and legal safeguards for those working in healthcare.