Rajasthan mandates swift FIRs for violence against doctors

The Rajasthan home department has updated its procedures to better protect doctors from harassment and false claims. This decision follows a Supreme Court ruling after a tragic incident involving a trainee doctor in Kolkata. The new rules focus on enhancing security in large hospitals and specialized medical facilities. Health officials will work with local police to ensure these locations receive regular patrols. Police are now required to file First Information Reports (FIRs) within six hours if a hospital reports violence against a doctor. Complaints of medical negligence will not be treated as ordinary cases, especially if they involve a patient's death, which will also require a postmortem. There will also be a quick preliminary investigation by an independent group of medical experts within 14 days of any complaint. If allegations turn out to be false, the person who made the complaint may face legal action. Medical colleges and chief medical officers have a three-day deadline to form expert panels for assessing negligence cases. In serious situations, like deaths or severe injuries, a specialized board of experts will be called to review the incident.