Kolkata doctor rape-murder: Govt to form committee to ensure the safety of health professionals

Digital Desk: In response to growing concerns over the safety of healthcare professionals, the Union government has decided to establish a committee tasked with recommending comprehensive measures to ensure their protection. This decision follows appeals from various healthcare stakeholders, including FORDA, IMDA, and the Resident Doctors' Association of Governmental Medical Colleges & Hospitals of Delhi. The central government has also invited state governments to contribute their suggestions to the committee.

Amid rising tensions, the central government has urged protesting doctors to return to their duties, citing the "larger public interest," especially given the increase in Dengue and Malaria cases. 

In a move to address the issue of violence against healthcare workers, the government issued a notice on Friday, directing government hospitals to register an FIR within six hours in cases of verbal or physical abuse against healthcare staff. The notice highlights the growing incidence of violence against doctors and other healthcare workers in government hospitals, noting that many health workers have suffered physical violence or been subjected to verbal threats while on duty.

The notice also states that the head of the institution will be held responsible for filing an FIR within the specified time frame. "Most of this violence is perpetrated by patients or their attendants," the notice observed, underscoring the need for swift action.

This directive comes amid widespread protests across the nation following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College. The incident has sparked outrage among healthcare professionals, leading to various forms of protest across India.