Need for National Law on Emergency Medical Care highlighted
A report emphasizes the need for a national "right to emergency medical care Act" in India, particularly focusing on trauma care. Citing road accident data from 2017-2021, which resulted in over 7 lakh deaths, the study proposes expanding the Good Samaritan Law to all medical emergencies and establishing a universal emergency number. The recommendation also includes mandatory basic care provision in hospitals and stringent penalties for non-adherence.;
New Delhi: India needs to formulate a national law on the right to emergency medical care, with special focus on trauma care, according to a report.
The report titled 'Global Comparative Research on Right to Emergency Medical Care' pointed out that India lacks a unified federal legislation on emergency care.
While the courts have provided an expansive interpretation to the fundamental Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution, there are no binding guidelines on emergency healthcare, except protection of Good Samaritans who help an accident victim within the golden hours, the report, commissioned by SaveLIFE Foundation, said.
"Pursuant to the fundamental right to preserve life established by Article 21 coupled with the significant impact of millions of lives lost due to preventable deaths in India, it is absolutely essential that a right to emergency medical care Act be established, with a particular focus on trauma care," it said.
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