"FIR Within 6 Hours": Centre's Directive To Protect Healthcare Workers

The notice comes amid protests over the rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, following which medical professionals across India have gone on strike.

The Union Health Ministry has ordered all government hospitals, centre or state, to file police complaints within six hours of violence on campus or against staff and health workers. In the event of any violence against any healthcare worker while on duty, the Head of Institution shall be responsible for filing an Institutional FIR within a maximum of 6 hours of the incident: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare pic.twitter.com/2YGDZVRx8O

A brief notice issued Friday morning said the head of the instituted concerned would be held responsible if no such complaint is made within the stipulated time.

"Recently it has been observed that violence has become common against doctors and other healthcare staff at government hospitals. A number of healthcare workers suffered physical violence during the course of their duty. Many were threatened or exposed to verbal aggression."