IMA AP demands amendment in law to protect doctors on duty

Anantapur: The Andhra Pradesh chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has demanded that the state government must amend the law regarding the protection of doctors on duty. The association pointed out that there should be a provision for attackers to be arrested under the non-bailable section.

IMA state president Dr Ravi Krishna told Medical Dialogues, "The first time an act for protecting doctors who are on duty had been first passed by the then chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy in 2008. There was an incident in the women's hospital in Hyderabad where the kin of the patient allegedly attacked the doctor. IMA opposed the incident and demanded for a law against such cases of violence on medical professionals. After this, 16 states opted for the same act."

Also Read: Violence against Healthcare Professionals: IMA Kerala demands monthly audit on hospital attacks

He explained that the existing law doesn't ensure immediate action against relatives of patients who attack doctors and hospitals. The current law enables the police to punish the offenders with 3 years of imprisonment if proven guilty but the accused can't be booked under non-bailable sections.

The association demanded that there should be a law with the provision of imprisonment of more than seven years so that the offenders can immediately be booked under the non-bailable section. 

The state president of the IMA suggested that the law must be amended to give doctors more protection while treating patients under emergency circumstances. He emphasised how the Kerala government just changed its law to prevent assaults on physicians. 

The association also insisted that the centre should start Indian Medical Services, as doing so will help finding qualified medical professionals. Additionally, it can aid in implementing critical changes to the healthcare system and ensuring their success. "Only a medical professional should be appointed at the significant posts related to Public Health management and IMS will be helpful in finding such proficient medical professionals," added Dr Krishna. 

Also Read: Ordinance for safety of doctors comes into force in Kerala, Check out gazette details