Health ministry orders Govt hospitals to file FIRs within 6 hours of violence amid RG Kar row

Digital Desk: In a decisive move, the Union Health Ministry has mandated that all government hospitals, whether managed by the central or state governments, must file a police complaint within six hours of any incident involving violence on their premises or against healthcare staff. This directive, issued on Friday morning, holds the head of the institution accountable if a First Information Report (FIR) is not lodged within the specified timeframe.

The advisory highlighted a disturbing trend of increasing violence against doctors and healthcare workers, particularly in government hospitals. It noted that many healthcare professionals have been subjected to physical assaults, threats, and verbal abuse while conducting their duties. Most of these attacks are carried out by patients or their attendants.

The Ministry's advisory stated, “In the event of any violence against any healthcare worker while on duty, the Head of the institution shall be responsible for filing an institutional FIR within a maximum of six hours of the incident.” This measure is aimed at ensuring swift action against the perpetrators and providing a safer working environment for healthcare professionals.

In response to the growing concern over the safety of healthcare workers, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) announced a nationwide strike, suspending non-essential medical services from 6 am on Saturday, August 17, to 6 am on Sunday, August 18. The strike is a protest against the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage, leading to the arrest of 19 individuals involved in the violence and vandalism at the hospital. Those arrested have been remanded to police custody until August 22.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will lead a rally demanding justice for the victim today at 4 pm. Additionally, the BJP’s women’s wing plans to hold a candlelight protest near Banerjee’s residence in Kolkata, condemning the recent violence at RG Kar Hospital.