Padma Awardee doctors urge PM Modi to address violence against healthcare workers

More than 70 Padma Awardee doctors from across India have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting immediate action to address the rising violence against healthcare professionals. This appeal follows a recent violent incident at R G Kar Medical College in Kolkata, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced protections for medical staff.

The doctors, honoured with India’s highest civilian awards for their contributions to healthcare, expressed their deep concern and condemnation of the recent attack. They have urged the Prime Minister to take prompt and decisive measures to prevent future tragedies and to address the growing threat faced by healthcare professionals.

In their letter, the Padma Awardee doctors called for stricter enforcement of existing laws, stressing the need for law enforcement agencies to apply current legal frameworks more rigorously to safeguard healthcare professionals.

They recommended harsher and time-bound punishments for perpetrators of sexual violence, advocating for severe penalties to deter such crimes.

The doctors also urged the government to enhance safety measures in hospitals and medical institutions, recommending the implementation of improved safety protocols to ensure a secure working environment for medical staff.

They requested the enactment and implementation of a special law for the protection of healthcare workers, urging both central and state governments to expedite the process. They specifically highlighted the “Prevention of Violence Against Doctors, Medical Professionals, and Medical Institutions Bill,” which has been pending since 2019. The doctors proposed the introduction of an ordinance to address the issue immediately and to ensure the bill’s prompt passage.

Finally, the doctors called for the harshest possible punishments for violence against healthcare workers, whether verbal or physical. They suggested that such offences should be non-bailable and resolved quickly by the judiciary.

The Padma Awardee doctors have conveyed their concerns to the Prime Minister, hoping for a swift and effective response. They believe that prompt action can help uphold the safety and dignity of healthcare professionals, allowing them to continue their work without fear.