In August 2024, the tragic murder of a postgraduate student at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata sent shockwaves through the medical community and raised serious concerns about safety in medical institutions. The victim, a second-year PG student specializing in internal medicine, became the catalyst for nationwide agitation and renewed calls for the implementation of the ‘Central Protection Act for Doctors.’
In response to this and other incidents of violence against doctors, the National Medical Commission (NMC) recently issued an advisory emphasizing the importance of a safe work environment within medical colleges and hospitals. The advisory mandates that all medical colleges develop a comprehensive safety policy for staff, including faculty, medical students, and resident doctors. This policy should cover safety measures across the campus, including OPDs, wards, hostels, and other sensitive areas. Additionally, the NMC recommends that corridors and campus areas be well-lit in the evenings, with CCTV coverage in critical locations to ensure continuous monitoring.
The advisory also underscores the need for prompt action in cases of violence against medical students. College management is required to investigate incidents immediately, file an FIR with the police, and submit a detailed action taken report to the NMC within 48 hours of any such event.
Dr. B. Srinivas, Secretary of the NMC, highlighted the potential consequences for colleges that fail to adhere to these guidelines. “Any deviations from the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) may result in the NMC imposing penalties, including a reduction in seats or cancellation of the college’s license to admit students,” he warned.
While the demand for legislation to protect doctors is being considered, Dr. Srinivas pointed out that the process involves multiple government departments, including the Ministry of Health, Legal Affairs, and Home Affairs, before reaching Parliament. He also noted that effective implementation of any new laws would depend heavily on the quality of local law enforcement, as even the most stringent acts would be ineffective if local law and order are lacking.
The NMC’s advisory aims to make medical colleges more accountable and ensure that the safety of students and staff is prioritized across all institutions.
