Union Health Ministry Enforces Swift Action on Violence Against Healthcare Workers

In response to the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, the Union Health Ministry has mandated that heads of institutions must file an FIR within six hours of any violence against healthcare workers. This directive aims to combat the rising instances of violence in government hospitals.

Amid widespread protests over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, the Union Health Ministry has stepped up measures to protect healthcare workers by issuing a new directive. According to this order, the heads of institutions are required to file an institutional FIR within six hours of any violent incident involving healthcare staff.

In an office memorandum, Director General of Health Services Dr. Atul Goel addressed the directors and medical superintendents of central government hospitals and principals of all medical colleges nationwide. The memo stipulates that heads of institutions will be held accountable for delayed FIR filings.

The memorandum comes in the wake of increasing violence against doctors and healthcare staff, often perpetrated by patients or their attendants. It highlights the urgent need for immediate action to safeguard those who serve at the front lines of healthcare.

(With inputs from agencies.)