Karnataka has amended the “Karnataka Prohibition of Violence Against Medicare Service Personnel and Damage to Property in Medicare Service Institutions Act, 2009” to penalize individuals who intentionally insult doctors and other healthcare professionals. The amended Act defines “intentional insult” as using words, figures, or gestures to insult, humiliate, annoy, disgrace, or abuse an HCP. Such insults can be directly addressed to the HCPs or through social media or unauthorized audio and video recording and photographing while they perform their duties. Offenders will face imprisonment for up to three months or a fine of Rs.
10,000. The Act protects HCPs working at government and private hospitals, private nursing homes, maternity homes, and convalescent homes. Besides, the state also revised the “Karnataka Medical Registration Act, 1961”. Under the updated Registration Act, quacks…
