IMA Demands Change in Law to Protect Doctors on Duty

ANANTAPUR: Indian Medical Association (IMA) state president Dr. Ravi Krishna demanded that the state government make changes in the law meant for protection of doctors on duty.

He pointed out that an act for protecting doctors who are on duty had been first passed by the then chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy in 2008. After this, 16 states opted for the same act.

But Dr. Ravi Krishna said the existing law does not provide for serious action against relatives of patients who attack doctors and hospitals. According to the police manual, non-bailable sections can be booked in cases of such attacks, with possible imprisonment of more than seven years. But the act to protect doctors provides for only three years of imprisonment, if charges are proved.

The IMA state president said state government should modify the act to protect doctors from harm while serving patients during critical situations. He pointed out that Kerala government had recently modified its act to control attacks on doctors.

Dr. Ravi Krishna demanded that the centre restart Indian Medical Services, which will be useful for recruiting skilled and efficient doctors. It can also help bring in necessary reforms in the health system and ensure their proper implementation.