Thiruvananthapuram: The cabinet meeting held today has given approval to the ordinance amending the Hospital Protection Act to ensure the safety of health workers in the state. If any complaints are raised against the ordinance, then an official amendment will be introduced in the next assembly session. With the cabinet’s approval, the long-term demand raised by doctors has been fulfilled. The ordinance will ensure strict punishment to the perpetrators of violence in hospitals.
The ordinance has been introduced in the wake of Dr Vandana’s murder at Taluk hospital in Kottarakkara. The ordinance ensures imprisonment of up to seven years and fine to those who attack doctors. There is also a provision to complete the trial in such cases within one year in fast-track courts. Along with healthcare workers, ministerial staff, security personnel, medical and nursing students will be ensured safety under the ordinance.
According to section 4 of the current Act, the maximum punishment for assaulting health workers or health institutions is imprisonment for up to three years and a fine of up to Rs 50,000. The ordinance has raised the maximum imprisonment to seven years of imprisonment and fine not less than Rs 1 lakh. The Indian Medical Association has demanded 10 years of imprisonment and fine of Rs 1 lakh if it is a serious crime.
It is reported that there are directions to register FIR within one hour after receiving the complaint. Action will be taken against defaulting officers. An officer in CI rank should complete the investigation and submit the report within one month of registering the FIR. In case of the destruction of hospital equipment, the compensation should be more than double the cost. Verbal abuse, cyber abuse, etc. may also come under the ambit of the law.
Discussion about this post