Dr Vardhan writes tol CMs, Calls for strict action against any person who assaults doctor

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New Delhi :  Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan on June 15, 2019, in a communication to the Chief Ministers of all States and UTs, asked them to ensure strict action against any person who assaults doctors. This follows the recent assault on doctors in West Bengal.

Expressing his deep concern over the recent act of violence against doctors, the Union Health Minister stated that incidents of assaults on doctors are reported from different parts of the country and this leads to sudden strike by doctors affecting the healthcare services. “Resident doctors in many parts of the country are agitating and not providing healthcare services. Agitations by doctors in West Bengal seem to be getting aggravated and taking shape of strike by both Government and Private sector doctors all over the country,” he said. Representatives from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Delhi Medical Association (DMA) also called on Dr. Harsh Vardhan on June 15.

Stressing on the need for avoiding such incidents in future, Dr Harsh Vardhan said that the law enforcement should prevail so that doctors and clinical establishments discharge their duties without fear of any violence. “Strict action against any person who assaults them must be ensured by the law enforcement agencies,” he emphasised.

In his letter to the Chief Ministers, Dr. Harsh Vardhan cited a letter (dated July 7, 2017) sent by the Union Health Ministry to the  Chief Secretaries of all States which contains the decision taken by an Inter-Ministerial Committee constituted under Ministry of Health to review the issues raised by IMA. The Committee, in its report, recommended that the Health Ministry shall suggest to all State governments, which do not have specific legislation to protect doctors and health professionals, to consider one to strictly enforce the provisions of special legislation wherever they exist or enforce the IPC/Cr.PC provisions with vigor.

“The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has raised this concern many a time. Since ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects, the Government of India, on many occasions has drawn attention of State Governments for an urgent need for a robust criminal justice system with emphasis on prevention and control of crime,” Dr Harsh Vardhan mentioned.

Through his letter to the States, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has reminded the Chief Ministers and requested them to consider enacting specific legislation for protecting doctors and medical professionals, and has forwarded the Draft Act provided by IMA i.e. the Protection of Medical Service Persons and Medical Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage or Loss of Property) Act, 2017.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that doctors form an important pillar of society and often work under stressful and difficult conditions. “Our doctors rank among the best in the world and work for long hours under stressful conditions grappling with a huge load of patients. It is the duty of State to ensure safety and security of doctors,” he highlighted.