Health Minister Anupriya Patel. (File photo)
The central government on Friday told Parliament that many states already have laws in place to deal with violence against health workers, while serious crimes fall under the jurisdiction of the Indian Judiciary Code (BNS). In this context, there is no need for any central law to deal with crimes against health workers.
In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Health Minister Anupriya Patel said that as per the Constitution, health, law and order are subjects of the state.
Anupriya Patel said, therefore, the primary responsibility of the concerned state or Union Territory is to take note of these incidents and possible situations and take appropriate action to prevent violence against health professionals. He said states should properly handle such cases as per the provisions of the National Security Act and the BNSS so that medical professionals can discharge their professional duties without fear of violence.
Anupriya Patel said many states already have laws in place to deal with violence against health workers. The minister said most of these laws cover petty crimes and provide for penalties, while the BNS adequately covers major and serious crimes.
Patel said a separate central agency should be set up to deal with crimes against health professionals as state laws have adequate provisions to deal with minor day-to-day crimes and serious crimes can be prosecuted under the BNS 2023.
However, he also said that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued an advisory to all central government hospitals and institutions, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and medical colleges to ensure that incidents of violence against medical professionals are addressed internally. The FIR should be filed within six months.
He said the ministry also advised all states to take immediate steps to enhance the safety of medical professionals and provide them with a safe working environment.
Taking into account the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, the Supreme Court sought to resolve issues related to the safety, working conditions and welfare of medical professionals and other related issues. A national working group has been established to develop effective recommendations. Anupriya Patel said the national task force has submitted its report to the Supreme Court.
