Government Directs Hospitals to File FIR Within Six Hours of Violence

Government Directs Hospitals to File FIR Within Six Hours of Violence

Government Directive on Filing FIRs After Violence in Hospitals

In a significant move aimed at protecting healthcare workers, the Union health ministry has directed all government hospitals across the country to file an institutional First Information Report (FIR) within six hours of any violent incident involving healthcare staff. This directive, issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), is a response to growing concerns over the safety of healthcare professionals, especially in the wake of the recent brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at Kolkata's R G Kar Medical Hospital.

Important Points:

  • Mandatory Filing of FIR: The directive mandates that the Head of Institution at any government hospital must ensure the filing of an FIR within six hours of any incident of violence against healthcare workers while on duty. This measure aims to ensure swift legal action and deter future incidents of violence.
  • Nationwide Protests: The directive comes after widespread protests by doctors and healthcare workers across the country. The recent incident in Kolkata has sparked outrage and highlighted the need for stronger protection measures for those working in the healthcare sector.
  • Violence in Healthcare Settings: The DGHS noted that violence against doctors and healthcare staff has become increasingly common in government hospitals. Many healthcare workers face physical violence, verbal aggression, and threats, often from patients or their attendants. The new directive is part of a broader effort to address this growing problem.
  • Implementation: The directive has been shared with all government hospitals and premier institutes, including AIIMS, to ensure uniform implementation across the country. The health ministry hopes that this measure will provide a safer working environment for healthcare professionals and help restore confidence in the healthcare system.

This new policy is expected to bring about a significant change in how violence against healthcare workers is handled, ensuring that such incidents are met with prompt and decisive action.