The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has mandated that the head of any medical institution must file a First Information Report (FIR) within six hours of any incident of violence against on-duty healthcare workers.
The decision, outlined in an office memorandum dated August 16, is aimed at ensuring prompt action and increasing accountability in cases of violence against medical staff.
The memorandum, signed by Dr. Atul Goel, Directorate General of Health Services, highlights the growing concern over the frequency of violence directed at doctors and healthcare workers in government hospitals. It notes that healthcare staff often face physical attacks, threats, and verbal aggression, mainly from patients or their attendants. The directive aims to address these incidents swiftly to prevent justice delays and reinforce healthcare professionals' safety.
The new policy emphasizes the responsibility of the institution's head to act immediately, underlining that any failure could lead to further complications in addressing such critical issues. By formalizing this requirement, the Ministry seeks to create a safer environment for healthcare workers, who are increasingly vulnerable to violence while performing their duties.
This move by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is crucial in protecting the rights and safety of healthcare professionals across the country, ensuring that incidents of violence are met with swift and decisive legal action.
