In a big step towards ensuring the safety and dignity of doctors, the Rajasthan Government has released a new set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). These SOPs are designed to protect medical professionals from violence, false allegations, and unnecessary harassment during their service.
These new rules are a strong response to rising cases of violence against healthcare workers across India. The SOPs cover many key areas including police protection, legal safeguards, and fair investigation procedures.
🔒 Doctors Cannot Be Arrested Without SP Approval
One of the most important rules in the new SOPs is that doctors cannot be arrested without prior approval from a Superintendent of Police (SP) or Deputy Commissioner of Police. This step ensures that doctors are not arrested based on false or incomplete information.
Many times, during emergencies or serious treatments, misunderstandings lead to legal complaints against doctors. These rules will now help avoid such unfair arrests and protect doctors’ mental peace and professional reputation.
🕒 FIR Must Be Filed Within 6 Hours for Violence Against Doctors
If there is any incident of violence against doctors or healthcare staff, the concerned police station must file an FIR within six hours of receiving a complaint from the hospital’s nodal officer.
This is similar to the guidelines issued by the Union Health Ministry earlier, which also made it mandatory for hospitals to file Institutional FIRs within six hours of any such incident.
👮 Police Patrolling in Hospitals
To ensure safety, the SOPs mention that regular police patrolling should be done in large hospitals and medical colleges. This step will help prevent violent incidents and provide confidence to doctors and medical staff working under pressure.
⚖️ Fair Investigation Before Legal Action
If a complaint of medical negligence is made, the police must:
- Conduct a preliminary investigation within 14 days
- Involve an independent expert medical panel
- Only proceed with legal action if the negligence is confirmed
If the allegations are proven false, legal action will be taken against the complainant.
🧑⚕️ Expert Medical Panels to Review Cases
Medical colleges and hospitals must create expert panels within 3 days to examine cases of negligence. For serious cases like death or severe injury, a special board of medical experts will be set up to ensure an unbiased opinion.
🧪 Postmortem with Videography Made Mandatory
In cases where a patient dies due to alleged medical negligence, a videographed postmortem is now compulsory. This is to ensure full transparency and reduce false claims against doctors.
❌ No Boycott of Duty by Medical Staff
The SOPs also mention that doctors and healthcare workers cannot boycott their duties, even in cases of dispute or protest. Instead, they must present their demands or concerns legally to the government.
✅ Why These SOPs Matter for Doctors
These guidelines are a much-needed protection for the medical community, especially those working in government hospitals, emergency services, and medical colleges. Doctors often face emotional and legal pressure while trying to save lives. These SOPs ensure that their work is respected, and their rights are protected.
📣 Let’s Create a Safe and Respectful Healthcare Environment
Violence and harassment against doctors are not just unfair—they’re dangerous for the entire healthcare system. These new SOPs by the Rajasthan Government are a strong move in the right direction.
As doctors, let’s stay informed about our rights, support each other, and create a respectful space for both patients and healthcare providers.
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