Question : Violence against Doctors

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has taken note that violence against doctors and medical institutions by attendants and consulting patients is on the rise, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government proposes to issue directives or pass stringent legislation to curb this menace, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Government has received any representation in this regard, if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the response of the Government thereon?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI FAGGAN SINGH KULASTE)
(a) to (d): Since Health is a State subject, no such information is maintained centrally. It is the responsibility of the respective State Government/ Union Territories to take action in this regard.

In so far as the three Central Government Hospitals in Delhi viz. Safdarjung Hospital, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College & Associated Hospitals are concerned, as and when such incidence takes place, immediate action is taken by the respective Hospital Administration including lodging of complaints with the police depending on case to case basis. Such corrective steps are taken in the larger interest of smooth functioning of the Hospitals.

There is a law “Prevention of violence and damage of Property Act, 2008” which protect the right of patients, doctors and hospital property.