The Union Health Ministry has mandated that all Government hospitals, both central and state-run, must file police complaints within six hours of any incident of violence on their premises, including attacks on staff and healthcare workers.
On the morning of August 16, the ministry issued a notice stating that the head of the institution will be held responsible if a police complaint is not filed within the specified six-hour window.
The notice stated, “Recent observations reveal that violence against doctors and healthcare staff at Government hospitals has become increasingly common. Many healthcare workers have faced physical assaults, threats, or verbal abuse while performing their duties.”
The notice added, “Most of this violence is committed by patients or their attendants. Therefore, in cases of any violence against healthcare workers while on duty, the Head of the institution must file an institutional FIR within a maximum of six hours.”
This notice comes in the wake of nationwide protests triggered by the rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The incident has sparked strikes by medical professionals across the country, who are calling for enhanced protection and safer working conditions.
