Kolkata Doctor Case
The recent doctors’ strike in India has highlighted the safety risks and legal protection gaps that healthcare professionals confront. The Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act 2018 in the United Kingdom imposes severe penalties, including imprisonment, on people who assault medical personnel. However, such legal protection act does not exist in India, leaving doctors vulnerable.
Incident and Response regarding Kolkata Doctor Case
At Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College, a trainee doctor was tragically raped and killed, which set off the walkout. The doctors, represented by the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA), have demanded that the Central Healthcare Protection Act be passed immediately.
This law is intended to be similar to the Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act, which has successfully reduced violence against medical professionals in the United Kingdom.
Due to doubts about the law’s potential efficacy, the Union Health Ministry is hesitant to propose it. Instead, the government proposed organising an expert team to assess and improve existing security measures.
Why Health Ministry is Resisting the Protection Act?
The Health Ministry resists the Protection Act because officials believe that introducing new legislation may not effectively improve the safety of healthcare workers. Instead, they suggest enhancing existing security measures through an expert panel review.
The Ministry is concerned that a new law might not address the root causes of violence against medical professionals and could lead to challenges in implementation and enforcement.
Global Comparison regarding healthcare professional‘s Safety
Globally, countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia have established robust legal frameworks to safeguard healthcare professionals. The Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act 2018 in the United Kingdom is a perfect example of strong legislative protection for doctors.
Healthcare Protection Act in Another Countries
Healthcare Protection Act in Australia
In Australia, jurisdictions such as New South Wales have provisions under the Health Services Act that impose harsh penalties for aggression against medical staff, akin to the Assaults on Emergency Workers Protection Act in the UK.
Healthcare Protection Act in Australia
Strong legislative protections for healthcare workers have been put in place in nations like Australia and the United Kingdom. The Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act 2018 in the United Kingdom is a perfect example of strong legislative protection for doctors.
Various policies have successfully produced safer working conditions for healthcare workers in various countries. In contrast, Indian doctors are frequently subjected to violence with little legal consequence, emphasising the importance of enhanced safeguards such as the Central Healthcare Protection Act.
Path Forward
The current strike underscores the critical need for complete legal protection and improved security measures for healthcare workers in India.
The government must examine the medical community’s concerns and move quickly to enact the Central Healthcare Protection Act, which is similar to the Assaults on Emergency Workers Protection Act. Improving hospital security standards is also necessary to prevent future incidents and safeguard the safety of those who devote their lives to rescuing others.
Conclusion
The doctors’ protest in India continues, emphasising the need for better legal safeguards and more security for healthcare professionals. The sad tragedy in Kolkata is a stark reminder of medical workers’ vulnerabilities.
It is critical that the government responds quickly to these concerns, potentially by enacting legislation akin to the Assaults on Emergency Workers Protection Act. Such measures can strengthen the healthcare system, assuring the safety and trust of doctors and patients.
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