Sources in the Health Ministry have clarified on the ongoing controversy regarding the Central Protection Act (CPA) that implementing this Act will not be practically beneficial. According to sources, serious crimes like rape and murder do not come under the purview of the Central Protection Act. Such cases come under the Indian Judicial Code (Bharatiya Nayay Sanhita), which already contains very strict provisions for these crimes.
A senior health ministry official said, “The purpose of the Central Protection Act is to provide protection to doctors and healthcare workers from violence and attacks, but it does not cover crimes like rape and murder. The ongoing protests over this issue are a waste of time.” We appeal to the doctors to end their protest and return to work as soon as possible.”
The Health Ministry has also announced to take important steps regarding the security of hospitals. The ministry has said that security arrangements will be increased by 25 percent in all government and private hospitals across the country, so that doctors and other health workers can get a safe environment. Apart from this, the ministry clarified its stand on the demand of declaring hospitals as ‘safe zones’. An official said, “The decision to declare hospitals as ‘safe zones’ will depend on the Medical Superintendent (MS) of the respective hospitals. There will be no interference of the Health Ministry in this matter.”
Officials believe that there is no need to make a separate law for the Central Protection Act. He says existing laws and safety measures are adequate, and doctors have been advised to move forward on the issue. The ministry also stressed that doctors should rely on the current safety measures and continue their work smoothly. The Health Ministry has said that it will work together with state governments to further improve the security of hospitals.
In response to questions raised regarding the security of hospitals, the ministry has assured that security arrangements will be increased by 25 percent in all hospitals across the country. This step has been taken to ensure the safety of doctors and other health workers.
The Health Ministry has also clarified its position on the demand of declaring hospitals as ‘safe zones’. Ministry officials say that the decision to declare hospitals as ‘safe zones’ can be taken by the concerned Medical Superintendent (MS). The ministry will have no role in this matter. Meanwhile, doctors across the country are continuously protesting demanding CPA. After this reaction of the Health Ministry, it will be important to see what will be the next step of the doctors and whether they will end their protest and return to work.