Health Ministry Bolsters Hospital Security Amid Doctor's Strike for Central Law

The Health Ministry has increased security at union government hospitals by 25% due to protests by doctors after an alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. Despite existing laws, doctors demand a central law for their protection. The government plans to form a committee to address various security and facility concerns.

The Health Ministry has mandated a 25% increase in security at union government hospitals in response to protests by resident doctors demanding a central law following the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a Kolkata hospital. An official stated, 'Enhanced security measures, including the deployment of marshals, will be approved after individual security assessments by government hospitals.'

Despite the demand for a central law, officials argue that such a measure may not be significantly effective since the crime is already covered by existing laws. They emphasized, 'Crimes and rapes are already addressed under current legislations.'

Officials also noted that 26 states and Union Territories have passed laws to protect healthcare workers. While the ongoing doctors' strike in the national capital continues, the government plans to form a committee headed by the Directorate General of Health Services to explore various security and facility improvements at hospitals.

(With inputs from agencies.)