Hyderabad: Medicos and doctors’ association in Telangana has condemned the recent suggestion by the National Task Force (NTF) that there is no need for a separate central law to protect health professionals. The NTF was constituted by the Supreme Court in the suo motu matter of the RG Kar rape and murder case.
Insisting on the need for such a law, the doctors unanimously demanded the implementation of a Central Protection Act with strict provisions while stating that the current state law is ineffective.
They pointed out that the penalties proposed in the central bill, such as a minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment and a hefty fine, were necessary to deter violence and ensure a safe working environment. “Telangana has adopted the GO 2008 of the undivided Andhra Pradesh, which provides for three years’ imprisonment and a fine of 50,000 for those who cause injury to health care providers. However, as in most other states, the law is not properly enforced. In most cases, compromises are made after FIRs are registered,” said Dr Srinivas G, advisor of Telangana Junior Doctors Association (TJUDA).
Citing an incident where an attack on a junior doctor went unreported, a female doctor said: “Initially, the hospital authorities support the staff member who has been attacked, but if he or she does not return to work quickly, they start saying that we are overreacting and that this is part of a junior doctor’s life. This also increases the pressure to compromise.”
Reiterating the need for a central law, Dr Sanjeev Singh Yadav, chairman, IMA Academy of Medical Specialists, said: “Though we have made many representations to the centre, they have not been taken into consideration. The existing law in Telangana is inadequate and hasn’t trickled down to the lower levels because the police who deal with the cases don’t see it as a big deal. Almost none of the cases in Telangana have resulted in imprisonment. So either a new law has to come or all states will have to amend the existing law.”
A central law would provide uniform protection for doctors and healthcare providers across the country, ensuring safety and justice. “If the govt fails to act, the safety of doctors and the integrity of the healthcare system will continue to be compromised,” added Dr Srinivas.
