A private member’s Bill recently introduced in Rajya Sabha proposes stringent measures against violence targeting healthcare workers and medical establishments. The Central Protection of Healthcare Workers and Medical Establishments from Violence Act, 2025, mandates up to 10 years in jail and a Rs 10 lakh fine for grievous assaults. It also requires police to file a First Information Report (FIR) within one hour of receiving a complaint.
The Bill addresses widespread violence in India’s healthcare sector. Over 75% of doctors report experiencing some form of violence. Incidents frequently involve physical attacks, intimidation, harassment, obstruction of duty, and destruction of medical property.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The proposed legislation broadly defines violence. It prohibits any individual from engaging in violent acts against healthcare workers. This includes actions by spoken or written words, signs, or visible representations that cause damage or loss to property within a medical establishment. The Bill also specifically bans violence based on caste, gender, religion, language, or place of birth.
Offenses under this Bill are designated as strict and non-bailable. The legislation aims to establish a national law to protect medical professionals and facilities from attacks.
Penalties for Violence
The Bill outlines varying penalties based on the severity of the violence:
- For general violence against healthcare workers, imprisonment ranges from six months to five years. Fines are set between Rs 50,000 and Rs 5 lakh.
- For causing grievous hurt , as defined under section 116 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the punishment is a minimum of three years and can extend up to ten years in jail. Fines range from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
Beyond punitive measures, the accused must also pay compensation. The Bill mandates Rs 1 lakh for causing hurt, increasing to Rs 5 lakh for grievous hurt inflicted on a healthcare worker.
Mandatory FIR and Reporting
The Bill establishes clear timelines for reporting incidents. If a doctor is attacked while on duty, the head of the medical establishment must report an institutional FIR within six hours of the incident. Following this report, the police must file the FIR within one hour of receiving the complaint.
Preventative Measures and Safe Zones
The Bill introduces guidelines to prevent violence within medical premises. It strictly prohibits carrying any arms, including licensed weapons and guns, inside hospitals. Violators face one to six months in jail and fines ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 3 lakh.
Medical colleges and hospitals must implement enhanced security measures. These include 24/7 CCTV surveillance, improved lighting, and trained security personnel. Quick response teams, weapon screening at entry points, and de-escalation training are also mandated. Hospitals must report all violent incidents to the National Medical Commission (NMC) within 48 hours. All medical establishments will be designated as ‘Safe Zones’ where threats or violence will result in immediate legal action.
Why the Bill is Needed
Violence against healthcare workers is a widespread problem in India. Data from the Indian Medical Association indicates that healthcare workers are four times more likely to face injury or require time off due to violence compared to other professions. Over 75% of doctors have reported experiencing violence, with 68.33% of incidents attributed to patients’ attendants or escorts.
Acts of violence include physical assaults, verbal abuse, bullying, sexual harassment, murder, and arson. These incidents not only affect healthcare professionals but also disrupt patient care. Nationwide protests by medical professionals have highlighted the urgent need for protective legislation.
The term ‘healthcare worker’ encompasses a broad range of professionals. This includes doctors, AYUSH practitioners, nurses, midwives, dentists, pharmacists, paramedics, lab staff, physiotherapists, radiologists, and community health workers.