Healthcare Personnel Not Aware of Protection Laws

Hyderabad: A nationwide survey conducted by the All India Federation of Government Doctors Association (AIFGDA) revealed concerning gaps in awareness and effectiveness of violence prevention acts meant to protect healthcare personnel in India. Responses from healthcare workers across the country show that 28.7 per cent of them were unaware of these acts, while only 7.4 per cent believe the laws were functioning effectively.

In Telangana, 27.7 per cent of respondents were unaware of the laws, with only 6.8 per cent reporting that they were effective. Awareness was notably low among women healthcare workers, with 33 per cent unaware of the acts and only 1.63 per cent finding them functional. Similarly, 47 per cent of medical students were unaware, and just 2.17 per cent reported effectiveness.

The survey highlights critical gaps among groups with high exposure to workplace violence, including nurses, paramedics and medical students. Awareness is particularly lacking in Telangana and Karnataka and healthcare workers in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal view the acts as ineffective.

Dr Kiran Madhala, AIFGDA national coordinator, demanded urgent reforms. “Our healthcare professionals deserve better protection. This survey is a wake-up call for stricter implementation of existing laws,” he said. The findings call for stronger legal frameworks and increased public awareness to protect healthcare workers nationwide.