On Duty Death of Doctor: RDA RML demand Compensation for late colleague, Govt Policy on the matter

New Delhi: The resident doctors of Dr. RML Hospital, New Delhi have demanded compensation for the recent death of a doctor, who died during duty hours on January 04, 2023. The doctors have further demanded the authorities to provide compensation policy for doctors.

Referring to the fact that the late resident doctor was the only bread earner of his family, RDA RML has recently written to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The association has pointed out how the sudden demise of Dr. Sahil has brought sorrow among the whole medical fraternity and stated that "Granting him compensation is the least we could do to show solidarity to his loved ones and the residents."

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that 30-year-old final-year resident doctor Dr. Sahil Mashal, working at the department of pediatric surgery and maternal and child health department of Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, New Delhi, died of cardiac arrest while on duty.

On January 4, the doctor was experiencing chest pain while on duty and lost consciousness. Another doctor present at the scene performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on him but to no avail, as the doctor was unresponsive indicating that he did not survive the attack. Unfortunately, he died on the spot at the hospital.

Also Read: Unfortunate: On duty final year RML resident doctor dies of cardiac arrest, FORDA seeks compensation

Earlier, demanding appropriate compensation for the doctor’s family, the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association tweeted saying “Tragedy at RML hospital as a resident doctor passes away on duty. Our hearts go out to the family. Let's ensure that fair compensation is provided, as it should be a given when a hero in a white coat makes the ultimate sacrifice while on duty.”

Now the Resident Doctor Association (RDA) of RML Hospital have written to the Union Health Ministry in this regard and requested for compensation for the family of the late doctor.

"We on behalf of RDA, RML would like to request you to kindly grant compensation for Dr. Sahil Mashal, a final year MCh resident who died during duty hours on 04/01/23. He was only earning and supporting member of his family leaving behind his wife and mother only," the association mentioned in the letter dated January 09, 2023.

"The doctors toil day and night for the betterment of patient but the sudden demise of Dr. Sahil has brought sorrow among the whole medical fraternity," the letter stated while urging the authorities to grant compensation for the late doctor's death.

Dr Sarvesh Kumar Pandey, general secretary of FORDA and also the Vice President of RDA RML told Medical Dialogues, "The resident doctor was the only earning member of the family and his wife and mother do not have any support. That's why we requested the authorities to grant compensation for his death to extend support to his family through this tough time."

Lack of Policy mars Medical Profession: 

During the time of COVID, the Government had announced compensation for doctors who died while treating COVID patient. Medical Dialogues had earlier reported about the PMGKP scheme, which was announced on March 2020. The scheme aimed at providing a safety net to health workers to ensure that in case of any adversity due to #COVID19, their families are taken care of.

Insurance cover of Rs. 50 Lakhs was provided under the PMKGP scheme. Earlier, while referring to the scheme, the Union Health Ministry had mentioned that the scheme had provided a safety net to the dependents of Corona warriors who lost their lives to COVID-19. The Scheme played a crucial psychological role as well in boosting the morale of the Health Workers fighting the COVID battle.

However, after the pandemic, no such scheme for compensation is known to be available for the doctors who die on duty. In case of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) personnel who sacrifice their lives in the course of duty, the Central Government offers a ex-gratia lump-sum compensation for the their Next of Kin. Back in 2019, the amount of compensation was enhanced from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 35 lakh for death on active duty and from Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 25 lakh for death on duty.

Also Read: Only 20 percent Insurance Money under PMGKP scheme got disbursed to kin of doctors died serving during COVID-19, reveals RTI