Introduction of The Central Protection of Healthcare Workers and Medical Establishments from Violence Bill, 2025
Background
In response to the long-standing demands from doctors for a Central Protection Act aimed at safeguarding healthcare workers, MP Fauzia Khan introduced a private member’s bill in the Rajya Sabha titled The Central Protection of Healthcare Workers and Medical Establishments from Violence Bill, 2025. This bill aims to impose strict penalties for violent acts against healthcare professionals, proposing imprisonment of six months to ten years and fines up to ₹10 lakh, depending on the violence’s severity.
Objectives of the Bill
During the Zero Hour submission in the Rajya Sabha, Khan emphasized the bill’s purpose: to establish a robust legal deterrent against violence towards healthcare workers and to promote a safe working environment. The bill seeks to provide uniform protection across states, addressing existing legislative gaps while enhancing the safety, security, and dignity of healthcare professionals in India.
Prevalence of Violence Against Healthcare Workers
Current Situation
Khan highlighted that violence against healthcare workers has become a pervasive issue in India, involving physical assaults, verbal abuse, bullying, and sexual harassment. According to the Indian Medical Association, healthcare workers are four times more likely to sustain injuries or take time off work due to violence than their counterparts in other sectors. Alarmingly, over 75% of doctors have reported experiencing some form of violence, with 68.33% of incidents involving patients’ attendants or escorts.
Forms of Violence
The bill outlines various manifestations of violence, including verbal abuse, physical assaults, and arson. Khan noted that these incidents result in severe psychological effects for healthcare workers, leading to conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, and depression, which ultimately hinder their capacity to perform effectively.
Need for Comprehensive Legislation
Fragmented Legal Framework
Khan pointed out that while some states have enacted their own laws, the existing legal framework remains fragmented. There is a pressing need for comprehensive national legislation to uniformly protect healthcare professionals and ensure a zero-tolerance approach towards violence.
Key Provisions of The Bill
Definition of Medical Establishment
The bill defines “medical establishment” as any healthcare institution providing services related to diagnosis, treatment, or management of health issues, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes, among others. It encompasses facilities managed by both government and private entities.
Definition of Healthcare Worker
“Healthcare worker” is broadly defined in the bill, including not only registered medical practitioners but also practitioners of Indian System of Medicine, dentists, nurses, midwives, and various allied health professionals.
Definition of Violence
The bill characterizes “violence” as any act that harms or intimidates healthcare workers, whether within medical establishments or outside. This includes physical harm, psychological abuse, and harassment, affecting their ability to perform their duties.
Offences and Penalties
The bill stipulates that no individual shall engage in violence against healthcare workers or damage medical property. It outlines penalties for those found guilty, including imprisonment of six months to five years and fines ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹10 lakh, depending on the severity of the harm caused.
Action Against Incidents of Violence
The bill mandates that upon receiving a complaint from an aggrieved healthcare worker, medical establishments must notify local police within a specified timeframe. It also requires that First Information Reports be filed promptly in the event of violence against healthcare workers.
Investigation and Trial Procedures
Cases under this Act will be investigated by police officers of a certain rank, with a requirement for timely completion of investigations and supervision by senior officers. The bill aims for swift trials to ensure justice for victims of violence.
Compensation for Victims
Individuals convicted under this Act will be liable to pay compensation, including amounts for property damage and injuries inflicted on healthcare workers, recoverable as arrears of land revenue if not paid.
Responsibilities of Medical Establishments
Medical establishments are tasked with creating a safe working environment and are required to develop policies addressing workplace violence. They must promptly investigate incidents and send reports to the National Medical Commission.
Responsibilities of Healthcare Workers
Healthcare professionals must inform patients about their medical conditions and treatment options, ensuring that patients understand the procedures before they are initiated. Medical establishments are expected to maintain patient confidentiality and provide necessary support for healthcare workers facing violence.
Conclusion
The Central Protection of Healthcare Workers and Medical Establishments from Violence Bill, 2025, represents a significant step towards safeguarding healthcare professionals in India. By establishing stringent penalties and clear responsibilities, the bill aims to create a safer working environment and a comprehensive legal framework to address violence against healthcare workers.