Bihar clears Bills on doctors safety

Government doctors had long been demanding such a Bill in view of increasing incidents of attacks on them by relatives of patients.

In much-needed relief to the medical profession,the Bihar government on Saturday cleared a Bill,to be tabled in the ongoing monsoon session,to ensure doctors safety at their work places.

Government doctors had long been demanding such a Bill in view of increasing incidents of attacks on them by relatives of patients. After a recent attack on two doctors at the Patna Medical College and Hospital,the government had promised a stringent law.

The Bihar Chikitsa Seva Sansthan Aur Vyakti Surakha Vidheyak 2011 provides that any attack on doctors and medical staff would be deemed a serious offence. In case of any damage to public property,the offender would be made to compensate.

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Bihar Health Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey,who had met CM Nitish Kumar over the matter on Friday,said the new Bill dwelt at length on security at hospitals. Once the Bill is passed,the state police will be in position to deal sternly with offenders, said the minister.

The Cabinet also gave nod to Clinic Ki Sthapana (Nibandhan aur Niyaman) Vidheyak 2011,making registration for private clinics mandatory,but hassle-free.