Officials blame police for improper implementation of protection Act

While senior officials of the State Health Department blame the local law and order authorities for improper implementation of the Act, doctors demand a centralised regulatory body to ensure their safety.

The Act prohibits violence against medical service persons and damage or loss to the property of medical service institutions.

In 2012, Dr Sethulakshmi was killed by the kin of a deceased patient in Thoothukudi and a doctor was attacked at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital a few years ago. Last year, a doctor was slapped by the relative of a patient while administering injections. Laws alone cannot stop such incidents. Despite regulations, there is no implementation of these regulations,” said Dr G R Ravindranath, Doctors’ Association ofSocial Equality.

The Act was formulated to punish persons committing violence by making the offense cognisable and non-bailable and to provide compensation for damage or loss caused to the property of medical service institutions.

“There is a need for a central system to ensure the safety of the medical fraternity and to take effective action in case of any violations. Doctors cannot continue to work in fear,” said Dr K Senthil, president, Tamil Nadu GovernmentDoctors’ Association.

Medicos said that violence against doctors not only creates unrest among medicos but also results in the hindrance of medical services in the State.

“Though we have an effective Act to counter such incidents, the police also need to cooperate and coordinate to book cases under the Act and take action accordingly. We often face a lack of coordination from the end of the authorities taking care of law and order to implement the same,” said Director of Medical Services Dr Mohanan.