File FIR within 6 hours of violence: Centre to hospitals
The Union Health Ministry has directed all government hospitals, whether central or state-run, to file police complaints within six hours of any act of violence on their premises or against their staff and health workers. The directive was issued on Friday morning and holds the head of the concerned institution accountable if no complaint is filed within the specified time frame.
Notice highlights increasing violence against healthcare workers
The Health Ministry's notice stated, "Recently it has been observed that violence has become common against doctors and other healthcare staff at government hospitals. A number of healthcare workers suffered physical violence during the course of their duty. Many were threatened or exposed to verbal aggression." It further noted that most of this violence is perpetrated by patients or their attendants.
Directive follows nationwide protests over doctor's rape and murder
This directive comes in the wake of nationwide protests following the rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Medical professionals across the country have gone on strike, demanding enhanced protection and safer working conditions. The Calcutta High Court had earlier criticized the Bengal government while hearing petitions on this matter, including allegations of administrative lapses by the hospital.
High Court questions police over vandalism at RG Kar Hospital
During a hearing this morning, the court also questioned the police about the vandalism at RG Kar Hospital, including how they allowed a mob of 7,000 to assemble. The court has now directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit an interim report on the vandalism. It had previously transferred the case to the CBI, citing no further time to lose amid allegations of administrative lapses and police negligence.
Doctor's body found with multiple injuries at RG Kar Hospital
The trainee doctor's body was discovered in a seminar room on the RG Kar Hospital campus on August 9. A post-mortem examination confirmed multiple severe injuries, including to her arms, legs, and genitals. This brutal killing triggered widespread protests by doctors at the hospital, throughout Kolkata and Bengal, and across India. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a 24-hour nationwide strike of doctors, starting from 6:00am on Saturday to 6:00am on Sunday.
