On Doctor’s Day, MedscapeIndia introduced the #RedFlag Campaign at the 7th Fit India Conclave, held at the Constitution Club in New Delhi. This significant ‘#Red Flag Campaign’ aims to end violence against healthcare professionals.

MedscapeIndia has been actively contributing to streamlining healthcare services through its FitIndia Movement and We Doctors Campaign. Over the past decade, the FitIndia movement has focused on enhancing CPR literacy to promote self-sufficiency in healthcare across India. Additionally, the “We Doctors Digi Health Card” campaign, aims to provide digital health cards to doctors nationwide, improving healthcare service efficiency by enabling secure access to patient information.

Distinguished guests at the conclave included Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India; Shripad Yesso Naik, Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Govt. of India; Faggan Singh Kulaste, Former Union Minister of State for Steel and Rural Development; Dr. Sambit Patra, Member of Parliament and BJP National Spokesperson; Dr. Bhagwat Karad, Hon’ble Member of Rajya Sabha, Govt. of India; Shri Sujeet Kumar, Hon’ble Member of Rajya Sabha & Chairman of the Petitions Committee in Rajya Sabha; Dr. Shrikant Shinde, Hon’ble Member of Parliament – Lok Sabha; and Shri Dabhi Bharatsinhji Shankarji, Hon’ble Member of Parliament.

Other dignitaries in attendance were Padma Shri & Padma Bhushan Brigadier Dr. Anil Kohli, renowned dentist; Padma Shri Dr. Mohsin Wali, esteemed cardiologist; Shri Acharya Lokesh Muni, spiritual guru; and Shri H.H. Pujya Swami Chidhanand Saraswati Ji, spiritual guru.

The #RedFlag Campaign spearheaded by Dr. Sunita Dube, a renowned Radiologist and Founder Chairperson of MedscapeIndia. The campaign is supported by 42 medical associations and 3 million doctors from associations and councils across the country, reflecting the widespread concern and urgent need for action to protect healthcare workers.

The initiative has received strong backing from notable MPs in the past, including Shashi Tharoor, Amit Shah, Former Health Minister of Maharashtra Rajesh Tope, and Shree Ashok Bajpayee, who have all endorsed the proposed “Prevention Against Doctor’s Assault Bill 2023” in past parliament sessions.

Dr. Sunita Dube, Founder Chairperson of MedscapeIndia AMET, has been a tireless advocate for the rights and safety of healthcare professionals. With the support of over 3 million doctors and healthcare professionals, Dr. Dube has called for the establishment of a centralized government law and health tribunal to prevent assaults on doctors.

While India has some state-specific laws like the “Doctors Protection Act,” which makes assaults on doctors a non-bailable offense with penalties including imprisonment and fines, there is a pressing need for a uniform, centralized framework. Dr. Dube’s proposal, presented at Vigyan Bhavan last year during the 6^th Fit India Conclave, highlighted the necessity of comprehensive national laws and a health tribunal to safeguard the interests of both doctors and patients. The journey has now reached a stage where 30 lakh doctors have stepped forward to endorse the initiative

The #RedFlag Campaign aims to amplify the voices of the medical community and advocate for the swift implementation of the “Prevention Against Doctor’s Assault Bill 2023.” This powerful mission is set to bring together medical professionals, policymakers, and the general public in a unified call to action against violence in healthcare settings.

 

Summary of Key Highlights and Concepts: Prevention of Doctor’s Assault Bill, 2023

Issue Addressed:

• Escalation of Assaults: Rising incidents of assaults on medical service providers, including vulnerable groups like psychiatrists, female doctors, gynecologists, and government doctors.
• Fabricated Assaults: Increase in false extortionist assaults, undermining the trust in the healthcare system.

Gap Analysis:

• Training and Awareness: Lack of special training for police, judiciary, and law enforcement on healthcare system issues.
• Security and Grievance Measures: Inadequate security, grievance redressal mechanisms, and reporting procedures for doctor harassment in hospitals and clinics.
• Behavioral Issues: Insufficient respect and compliance from patients and relatives, and limited accountability for their misconduct.
• Legislative Enforcement: Inadequate enforcement of existing laws and media’s negative portrayal of doctors.

Salient Features of the Bill:

1. Behavioral and Structural Remedies:
   • Scorecard System: Monitoring behavior.
   • Color Code System: Rating compliance.
   • Grievance Resolution Department: Addressing conflicts in hospitals.
2. Effective Medical Communication: Mandatory course to enhance doctor-patient interactions.
3. Optimal Patient Care Detailing: Comprehensive care information to patients.
4. Zero Tolerance Policy: Strict measures against assault and harassment.
5. Health Tribunal: A dedicated body to handle healthcare-related issues.
6. Technology Integration: Use of technology to prevent assaults.

Government Support:

• Legislative and Financial Endorsement: Call for government endorsement and funding for the bill and related initiatives.
• Centralized Health Tribunal: Proposal for a centralized body to ensure fair handling of doctor-related cases and prevent unwarranted criminal charges against medical professionals.

Campaign and Support:

• Significant Backing: It was supported by 21 specialty associations and councils, and a signature campaign initiated at the 6th Fit India Conclave.
• SmartDoc Program: Enhances doctors’ confidence and competence, addressing real-time issues since 2012.

MedscapeIndia Initiatives:

• Awareness and Support Programs: Various campaigns such as “Save the Girl Child,” HIV awareness, rural health initiatives, and COVID-19 support.
• CPR Training: Over 3.8 lakh people trained in CPR under the Fit India movement.

Points Pertaining to the Prevention of Doctor’s Assault National Bill 2023:

• Establishment of a Dedicated Medical Tribunal
• Integration of Soft Skills into Medical Education
• Enhanced Security Measures
• Clear Media Guidelines
• Standardized Reporting System
• Fair Resolution Mechanisms
• Zero-tolerance policy
• Designing a Universal Healthcare App for India with behaviour Colour Coding for Patient and Doctor

Copyright and Intellectual Property:

• The bill is protected by Indian copyright law, with strict guidelines on reproduction and distribution. Unauthorized use may result in legal action.

Contact Information:

• For permissions or inquiries, contact MedscapeIndia at medscapeindia@gmail.com.

This summary provides an overview of the critical elements of the Prevention of Doctor’s Assault Bill, highlighting the need for comprehensive measures to protect healthcare professionals and improve the healthcare environment in India.

Data of Violence Against Healthcare Professionals.

Prevention of Assault on Doctor’s—Bill-2023 Stats of the Doctors

1. 80% Doctors Stressed due to their Job (Word)
2. 82.7% in India, Doctor Stressed Out.
3. 46.3% Fear Violence
4. 24.2% Fear of being Sued in Court
5. 62.8% See Patients with fear of repercussions
6. 56% Doctors Do not get 7hrs of Sleep
7. 13.7% face Criminal Prosecution
8. 50% Violence after ICU / Surgery cases
9. 68% cases of Violence by KIN / Attendants of Patients
10. In AIIMS- 34 Cases of Violence in 2years
11. For the Reported Cases- 2% FIR Lodged in Police Station
12. 90% Assault Cases not reported.
13. 75% Doctors Experienced Violence at least once
14. 23 States have some law. But there is no Central Law.
15. 200 Cases officially reported of Violence during Covid19 (3years) in India
16. Globally 62% of HealthCare workers experience Volume (Out of these 25% Physical Assault and 75% Non Physical Assault)
17. In India Almost 63% Hospitals are in Urban Area where Violence Cases are maximum.