“The violence against healthcare workers is becoming increasingly common. I believe there should be legislation to protect doctors and healthcare professionals, especially the young ones, who are at the forefront of vulnerability in public hospitals. Unless there is a deterrent, the incidents will not come down. There has to be an action. It was unfortunate that no such recommendation was given by the NTF,” he stated.Currently serving as the Chairman of Internal Medicine, Respiratory & Sleep Medicine at Medanta, Gurugram, Dr Guleria noted that during Covid-19, the government implemented a stringent law to safeguard healthcare workers. In September 2020, the Centre amended the Epidemic Diseases Act, making violence against healthcare personnel as cognizable and non-bailable offence.However, this law was repealed once the pandemic subsided. “The law should have been retained in some form,” he asserted. Dr Guleria also criticised the NTF for lacking representation from focussed groups, including resident doctors, nurses, and paramedics, who are at greater risk of experiencing violence.
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