United Doctors Front Association moves SC seeking establishment of Central Protection Act for doctors

United Doctors Front Association (UDFA) in the intervention application filed through advocates Shashank Shekhar Jha and Anil Sharma said that increasing incidents of such violence have created an environment of fear and insecurity among healthcare workers, who are entrusted with the critical responsibility of caring for the public.

The intervention application has been filed in the ongoing matter whereby the Supreme Court suo moto cognisance of the rape and murder of a doctor in state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal. The top court on Tuesday constituted the national task force for giving recommendations on the safety and security for health professionals across the country.

UDFA, which is a collective organization representing doctors and healthcare professionals across India and committed to advocating for the rights, welfare, and professional interests of medical practitioners, said, "In light of the increasing instances of violence against healthcare professionals, there is an urgent need to revisit and enhance the existing legal framework to ensure their safety and security."

UDFA urged the top court to recognize the significance of this legislative proposal and support its swift enactment. "Such legal protection is vital for maintaining the integrity of the healthcare system, safeguarding the rights of those who serve in it, and ensuring that the public continues to receive uninterrupted and quality healthcare services," the application said.

UDFA has made various prayers to the top court to effectively deal with the issue at hand and other connected matters that directly impact the welfare of healthcare service personnel and the functioning of healthcare institutions across the country. Among them are formation of the a Central Protection Act (CPA) Committee to address the critical concerns of healthcare professionals.

Among others are request for ordinance, representation of youth in National Task Force, immediate Implementation of the NDMC Health Professional Violence Act as an interim measure until the CPA is enacted, issuance of directions to the Central Government to

urgently formulate and implement uniform safety protocols across all healthcare institutions and deployment of a trained and designated security force at sensitive hospitals and medical institutions. (ANI)