IMA Calls for Central Law to Safeguard Healthcare Professionals and Hospitals

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has urged the National Task Force (NTF) to establish a central law to protect healthcare professionals and declare hospitals as safe zones. Following the horrific incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, the IMA reiterated the need for stringent laws and better working conditions for doctors.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has once again appealed to the National Task Force (NTF) to implement a central law aimed at ensuring the safety and security of healthcare professionals. The association also advocated for designating hospitals as safe zones.

The Supreme Court had established the NTF to form a national consensus and develop protocols for stakeholder consultation, following the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The IMA's letter outlined its position in three main sections.

The IMA justified its demand for a central law on violence against healthcare providers by presenting its survey titled 'Safety During Night Duty: Survey of 3885 Doctors Across India,' among other evidence. They argued that a comprehensive central law is essential to create a deterrent effect, given the varying structure of healthcare facilities across the country. The absence of such legislation has led to inadequate actions by police and subpar investigations.

(With inputs from agencies.)