In response to growing incidents of violence against healthcare workers, MP Fauzia Khan has introduced a private member’s bill in the Rajya Sabha titled The Central Protection of Healthcare Workers and Medical Establishments from Violence Bill, 2025. The Bill seeks to create a uniform national law to safeguard doctors and other healthcare staff.
Khan said the legislation aims to provide a strong legal deterrent against physical attacks, verbal abuse, intimidation, and damage to hospital property. She noted that over 75% of doctors in India have faced some form of violence, mostly from patient attendants.
Key Features of the Bill
Wide Definitions:
• Medical establishments include hospitals, clinics, labs, medical colleges, ambulances, pharmacies, telemedicine centres and more.
• Healthcare workers include doctors, nurses, ASHAs, paramedics, students, support staff, dentists, AYUSH practitioners, mental health professionals, etc.
What counts as violence:
Physical assault, grievous hurt, verbal abuse, harassment, threats, obstruction of duties, property damage and actions causing mental anguish.
Offences & Penalties
• Violence against healthcare workers is made cognizable and non-bailable.
• Penalties range from 6 months to 5 years imprisonment and fines of ₹50,000–₹5 lakh.
• For grievous hurt, punishment increases to 3–10 years imprisonment and fines up to ₹10 lakh.
• Convicts must pay compensation, including double the property damage and up to ₹5 lakh for injuries.
Action on Incidents
• FIR must be filed within 1 hour of complaint; hospitals must lodge an institutional FIR within 6 hours.
• Only police officers of Inspector rank or above can investigate; cases must be probed within 30 days.
• Special Courts will be set up for speedy trials, ideally completed within a year.
Responsibilities of Medical Establishments
Hospitals must develop safety policies, maintain CCTV surveillance, deploy trained security personnel and quick response teams, ensure access control, provide safe transport for staff, and create “safe zones”. They must report incidents to the NMC within 48 hours and offer mental health support to staff.
Responsibilities of Doctors & Staff
Doctors must provide clear explanations of treatment plans, outcomes, risks and costs to patients or attendants, with written or verbal confirmation. Institutions must ensure confidentiality, provide medical records on request, and maintain basic amenities and separate duty rooms.
Violations by healthcare workers or establishments may lead to disciplinary action, suspension, or license cancellation.