New Delhi: The sub-committee formed under the aegis of an inter-ministerial committee to deal with draft legislation on the issue of violence against doctors has drafted a 'deterrent' law which envisages a punishment of seven years for the offenders.
The Union Health Ministry had set up an inter-ministerial committee to draft a law, after protests by doctors citing unsafe working environment.
The sub-committee includes representatives from different ministries, various medical associations and government as well as non-governmental agencies.
Speaking to ETV Bharat, Dr RV Asokan the Secretary-General of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and a member of the sub-committee, said the draft law will have an overriding effect on all state legislation and will fall under the concurrent list.
"It will become a cognisable and non-bailable offence. There will be a provision for compensation for the doctor under attack and the institution," Asokan said.
"All the healthcare personnel will come under the purview of this law," he added.
The draft legislation will now be considered by the ministry before being sent for approval by the union cabinet.
Doctors across the state of West Bengal and India were engaged in protest, in support of interns from NRS college who were allegedly attacked by a patient's family.
The Indian Medical Association held a pan-India protest and wore black bands along with the boycott of general OT works.
Also read: Centre sets up committee on central legislation against violence on doctors
