Kolkata Doctor Case: Health Ministry Issues Strict Guidelines on Violence Against Healthcare Workers

In response to the outrage over the Kolkata doctor rape and murder case, doctors across the country have gone on strike, severely impacting healthcare services. The striking medical professionals are demanding that the central government ensure the safety of all healthcare workers. In a significant move, the central government has issued an order stating that if any violence occurs against a doctor, the head of the medical college or hospital will be held accountable. The order mandates that an FIR must be filed within six hours of such incidents. Failure to do so could lead to action against the medical college head. The primary demand of the striking doctors was for the central government to pass legislation to ensure their safety. They have pointed out the frequent assaults on doctors and the threats to their safety. Although no specific law has been introduced yet, the central government has issued an order requiring medical college heads to promptly report any violence against healthcare workers to the police and ensure that an FIR is registered.