‘Nat’l law to criminalise violence needed’

Pune: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has been demanding a national law against hospital violence. Though such a law has been made by nine states across the country, the IMA members emphasise on a national law, under which, the cases of attacks on doctors and hospitals are addressed to ensure deterrence and compensation to the victims.

Speaking to Sakal Times, IMA Secretary-General Dr RV Asokan said the demand for a central law has three objectives.

“One of them is to punish the accused, the second is to ensure security and the third is to promote the law as a deterrence factor which can avert violent acts. Hence, we have thought holistically while demanding the law,” Dr Asokan said.

President-elect, IMA Maharashtra State, Dr Avinash Bhondwe said that along with Maharashtra, there are nine such states where the law is in effect.

“Maharashtra Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage of Property) Act, 2010, is in effect in our State. However, the implementation of this act is very poor. Since the act was made, only two cases have been registered in which, the accused have been acquitted,” said Dr Bhondwe. 

He said that lack of awareness about this Act can be seen in police officials as well.

“Many police officials are not aware that such a law exists and they are very reluctant to register a complaint under the Act. The need for effective implementation also means effective deterrence,” said Dr Bhondwe. 

“Such laws are present in foreign countries like the United States of America (USA), Australia and others,” he added. 

To make their demands heard, they will have a nationwide withdrawal of non-essential services in all healthcare institutions from 6 am on June 17 till 6 am on June 18. However, all emergency and casualty units will continue to function. 

Dr Parthiv Sanghvi, former Secretary of IMA, Maharashtra State, said that as the monsoon session of the Maharashtra Legislature will begin on June 17, we have decided to protest for 24 hours.

“Doctors need a safer environment to work in. These attacks are to be addressed by a strong law and hence, the Indian Medical Association has decided to go on a 24-hour strike on the day the session begins to call for a national law on violence against doctors,” said Sanghvi.

Protest time

• To make their demands heard, IMA will have a nation-wide withdrawal of non-essential services in all healthcare institutions on June 17 from 6 am till 6 am on June 18. 
• However, all emergency and casualty units will continue to function.