In a unified effort, more than 70 Padma Awardee doctors from across India have written to the Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, urging prompt intervention to address the increasing violence faced by healthcare professionals. This collective appeal follows the recent tragic incident at R G Kar Medical College in Kolkata, which has underscored the urgent need for stronger protections for those in the medical field.
The doctors, recognised with the nation’s highest civilian honours for their contributions to healthcare, expressed their deep anguish and condemnation of the brutal event. They have urged the Prime Minister to take swift and decisive action to prevent such tragedies from recurring, stressing that such acts of brutality undermine the very fabric of society and the ability of healthcare professionals to serve without fear.
In their letter, the Padma Awardee doctors outlined several key recommendations:
1.
Stricter enforcement of existing laws – The doctors emphasised the need for law enforcement agencies to more rigorously apply current legal frameworks to protect healthcare professionals.
2.
Harsher and time-bound punishments for perpetrators of sexual violence – They advocated for severe and swift penalties to serve as a deterrent against such crimes.
3.
Enhanced safety measures in hospitals and medical institutions – The letter urged the government to implement improved safety protocols within healthcare facilities to ensure a secure working environment for all medical staff.
4.
Enactment and implementation of a special law for the protection of healthcare workers – The doctors requested the central and state governments to quickly enact and implement a separate law for the protection of healthcare workers, ensuring its rapid enforcement on the ground. They highlighted the “Prevention of Violence Against Doctors, Medical Professionals and Medical Institutions Bill,” which has been pending since 2019, arguing that an ordinance should be brought immediately, and the bill passed without delay to allow healthcare professionals to work without fear.
5.
Harshest possible punishment for violence against healthcare workers – The proposed ordinance or bill should ensure that the harshest possible punishment is given to those who engage in violence, whether verbal or physical, against healthcare workers. The doctors insisted that such offences should be non-bailable, with cases being resolved swiftly by the judiciary.
The Padma Awardee doctors have conveyed their concerns to the Prime Minister, hoping for a swift and effective response. They believe that with prompt action, the safety and dignity
of healthcare professionals can be upheld, ensuring they can continue to serve the nation without fear.