The recent increase in cases of violence against HCPs has resulted in doctors calling for stricter action to be taken against the inciters. In light of the recent murder of a house surgeon in Kerala, the Chief Minister of the state has approved an amendment to the Kerala Health Care Service Workers and Health Care Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Amendment Ordinance, 2012, which increased the scope of protection of the act and implemented stricter punishments. Other key points of the ordinance: Individuals found guilty of inciting violence against HCPs and hospitals can be fined between Rs.
50,000 and two lakhs and imprisoned for anywhere between six months and five years. The investigation must be handled by an Inspector (minimum rank) and should be completed within 60 days of filing the FIR. Special courts are to be designated in each district of…
