New Rule: FIRs Required Within 6 Hours for Violence against Healthcare Workers

New Rule: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a new memorandum mandating that heads of government hospitals file an Institutional First Information Report (FIR) within six hours of any violence against healthcare workers. The directive, announced on Friday, requires swift action to address and report incidents of violence. According to the memorandum, signed by Atul Goel of the Union Director General of Health Services (DGHS), “In the event of any violence against any health care worker while on duty, the Head of Institution shall be responsible for filing an Institutional FIR within a maximum of 6 hours of the incident,” as reported by ANI on X.

In the event of any violence against any healthcare worker while on duty, the Head of Institution shall be responsible for filing an Institutional FIR within a maximum of 6 hours of the incident: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare pic.twitter.com/2YGDZVRx8O

— ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2024

Concerns Over Rising Violence

The memorandum highlighted a troubling trend of increasing violence against doctors and other healthcare staff in government hospitals. It noted that many healthcare workers have faced physical violence, threats, or verbal aggression, primarily from patients or their attendants.

Recent Incident Sparks Action

This directive follows a violent incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. On Wednesday night, doctors were reportedly attacked by a mob during a protest demanding justice for a 31-year-old trainee doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered in the hospital on August 9. The attack occurred as doctors protested the alleged crime and called for a thorough investigation. Dr. Sreeja, a senior resident at AIIMS Mangalagiri, condemned the violence at RG Kar College. She criticized the attacks on doctors and the vandalism at the hospital, calling for a transparent investigation by the CBI and adequate compensation for the victim's family. Dr. Sreeja also demanded a Central Protection Act for all healthcare workers, emphasizing that the incident was a grave crime against women and humanity.

Also read: Kolkata Doctor's Rape Case: Father Refuses Compensation After Tragic Death

Background of the Incident

On August 9, a junior doctor was found dead in RG Kar Medical College’s seminar hall, reportedly in a state of undress. Her family alleges she was raped and murdered, leading to widespread outrage and protests from both the medical community and the public.