In response to the Supreme Court's directive, the state government has issued a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure the safety of doctors and medical staff. We’re taking this step to tackle situations where family members of patients, often working with incomplete details, end up filing FIRs against doctors. This can really lead to mental stress, lower productivity, and damage to their reputation.

Identification of Security Needs

The Medical and Health Department will identify hospitals and healthcare institutions where additional security measures are required. After the identification process, these institutions will coordinate with the local police stations to ensure proper security arrangements. This will help in safeguarding medical professionals from any potential violence or threats within their workplace.

Police Patrolling and Surveillance

To prevent any hostile situations, the concerned police stations will conduct regular patrolling in the designated healthcare institutions. The local station house officers (SHOs) will be responsible for maintaining strict vigilance and ensuring that the security arrangements remain effective. This step is intended to provide a safe working environment for doctors and other medical staff.

Mandatory FIR Registration Within 6 Hours

If any case of violence or harassment against medical professionals is reported, the police must register an FIR within 6 hours. In situations where the incident occurs outside the jurisdiction of a particular police station, a Zero FIR will be filed to ensure no delays in legal action. This will help in delivering quick justice to the victims and act as a deterrent against future attacks.

Swift Action and Investigation

Once an FIR is registered, the case will undergo immediate investigation. The complaint will be logged into the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) and the Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) for efficient tracking and transparency. The government aims to ensure accountability so that doctors do not suffer unjustly due to false allegations.

High-Level Monitoring

To make the security system more effective, senior officers will be assigned specific responsibilities. At the district level, the DCP/SP will oversee these cases, while at the state level, the ADG (Crime) will be in charge of monitoring and ensuring proper implementation of the SOP. This high-level supervision will guarantee timely intervention in case of emergencies.

Ensuring Protection for Doctors and Their Families

The government has assured that doctors and medical staff who file complaints regarding threats or attacks will receive immediate protection. If required, additional legal and security measures will be taken to safeguard not only the doctors but also their families. This initiative aims to boost the morale of the medical community and allow them to perform their duties without fear.

Significance of This New Initiative

With the implementation of this new SOP, the healthcare sector is expected to witness a positive change in terms of security and justice. Doctors and medical professionals can now work without fear, focusing solely on providing medical care to patients.

This initiative marks a major step forward in ensuring the safety and dignity of medical professionals. The government’s proactive approach is a strong message against any form of violence or mistreatment of healthcare workers, fostering a safer and more respectful medical environment.