Shashi Tharoor announced on Friday that he has presented a Bill in the Lok Sabha for the safety of medical staff and institutions, following a commitment he made to the parents of the murdered doctor, Vandana Das. When the bill is passed, the Thiruvananthapuram MP has suggested calling it the Vandana Das Act, “in honor of the brave young medical martyr.”
He states that as promised, he has moved a private member’s bill in Parliament to protect medical personnel. It makes acts of violence against healthcare personnel, including paramedical students &workers, administrative staff & ASHA workers, a cognisable and non-bailable offence. It requires speedy investigation and sentencing within a specified time frame & the establishment of designated special courts in every district.
Tharoor hopes the passing of the bill will create a safer environment for doctors and medical professionals to serve the country and humanity without fear of their own lives. On Twitter, Tharoor spoke about the issue, stating:
“On May 10, 2023, Dr Vandana Das, a young doctor driven by a commitment to serve humanity, tragically lost her life at the hands of a patient she was caring for in the emergency room. While recognising that nothing would bring back their only child, I had pledged to her parents that her death would not be in vain. She is not alone: It is currently estimated that 75% of doctors face physical &verbal abuse during their service. No doctor should have to fear for their safety while fulfilling their duty.”
He states that if passed, his Bill would be known as the Vandana Das Act, in honour of the brave young medical martyr and all those brave medical personnel who continue to provide healthcare services in all conditions and situations.
