Triggering Incident
Rape and murder of a young doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College, Kolkata.
Lack of Central law protecting healthcare workers.
Underlying Issues
Health and law and order are state subjects, leading to inconsistent safety measures.
A history of attacks on healthcare workers, including the infamous Aruna Shanbaug case.
Unsafe working conditions: Poor lighting, inadequate security, and long working hours in hospitals.
Increasing mental health issues among doctors due to safety concerns.
Demands of Doctors
Central protection law: A dedicated law to safeguard healthcare workers.
Improved working conditions: Better lighting, security, and infrastructure in hospitals.
Stricter security protocols: Hospital security equivalent to airport standards.
Thorough investigation and Justice for victim: Expeditious and impartial investigation into the recent incident.
Government Response
Acknowledgment of violence against healthcare workers but lack of comprehensive data.
On August 16, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued an order that “in the event of any violence against any health care worker while on duty, the head of the institution shall be responsible for filing an institutional FIR within a maximum of six hours of the incident.’’
the National Medical Commission (NMC) directed all medical colleges to develop a policy for a safe work environment within the college and hospital campus for all staff members.
Overall the incident has highlighted the critical issue of safety for healthcare workers in India.
While some measures have been announced, there is a pressing need for comprehensive and effective solutions to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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