Minister of State for Health, Anupriya Patel. (file photo)
The central government on Friday told Parliament that many states have already enacted laws to address violence against healthcare workers, while serious crimes remain under the ambit of the Indian Judicial Code (BNS). In such a situation, there is no need for any central law to deal with crimes against healthcare workers.
In a written reply to a Lok Sabha question, Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel said that as per constitutional provisions, health and law and order are subjects of the State.
Anupriya Patel said, therefore, that it is the primary responsibility of the State or Union Territory concerned to take note of incidents and possible circumstances with regard to taking appropriate measures to prevent violence against healthcare professionals. He said these cases should be properly dealt with by the states under the provisions of the BNS and the Indian Civil Defense Code (BNSS), so that medical professionals can perform their professional duties without fear of violence.
Anupriya Patel said many states have already enacted laws to address violence against healthcare workers. The minister said most of these laws cover minor crimes and prescribe punishments for them, while major crimes and heinous crimes are adequately covered by the BNS.
Patel said since state laws have adequate provisions to deal with minor everyday crimes and serious crimes can be prosecuted under BNS, 2023, no law is needed to create a separate central agency to deal with crimes. against health professionals.
He also said that, however, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued an advisory to all central government hospitals and institutions, All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and medical colleges to ensure that incidents of Violence against medical professionals will be addressed within six months. The FIR has to be filed in a few hours.
He said the ministry has also advised all states to take immediate steps to improve the safety of medical professionals and provide them with a safe working environment.
Taking cognizance of the incident of alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, the Supreme Court has sought to address the issues of concern related to the safety of medical professionals, working conditions and their well-being and other related issues. A national working group has been established to prepare effective recommendations. Anupriya Patel said the National Task Force submitted its report to the Supreme Court.
