Shashi Tharoor Pushes for Law to Protect Doctors After Tragic Incident in Kerala
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed his sympathy and solidarity with the medical community after the recent rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Tharoor questioned the Centre’s reluctance to bring in a bill to specifically protect medical professionals.
Tharoor’s Advocacy
Tharoor recalled a debate with former Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, where he pushed for a bill to safeguard medical professionals. The government argued that granting protection to one profession would set a precedent for others. Tharoor found this argument ridiculous and expressed his shock and sadness over the incident.
The Vandana Das Act
In August 2023, Tharoor introduced The Healthcare Personnel and Healthcare Institutions (Prohibition of Violence and Damage to Property) Bill, 2023 in the Lok Sabha. He mentioned Dr. Vandana Das, a young doctor who was tragically killed by a patient she was caring for. Tharoor pledged to her parents that her death would not be in vain and emphasized that no doctor should fear for their safety while fulfilling their duty.
The bill aims to make acts of violence against healthcare personnel a cognizable and non-bailable offense, requiring speedy investigation and sentencing. It also calls for the establishment of designated special courts in every district. Tharoor proposed naming the bill the Vandana Das Act in honor of the young doctor.
State and Legal Actions
Meanwhile, the West Bengal Governor’s office alerted medical colleges in the state to beef up security and ensure adequate protection for women doctors and paramedics. The CBI team investigating the case conducted 3D laser mapping of the emergency ward at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the case, with a hearing scheduled for August 20.
Doubts Revealed
Shashi Tharoor -: Shashi Tharoor is a well-known Indian politician, author, and member of the Indian National Congress party. He is also a Member of Parliament (MP) representing the Thiruvananthapuram constituency in Kerala.
Congress MP -: A Congress MP is a Member of Parliament who belongs to the Indian National Congress party, one of the major political parties in India.
RG Kar Medical College -: RG Kar Medical College is a well-known medical college and hospital located in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It is one of the oldest medical institutions in the country.
bill -: A bill is a proposal for a new law or a change to an existing law that is presented for debate and approval in a legislative body, like the Parliament.
The Healthcare Personnel and Healthcare Institutions (Prohibition of Violence and Damage to Property) Bill, 2023 -: This is a proposed law introduced by Shashi Tharoor to protect doctors and other healthcare workers from violence and to prevent damage to healthcare facilities.
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest judicial court in India. It has the final say on legal matters and can hear appeals from lower courts.
