Security to be stepped up for doctors in Cuttack

Concerned over recent spurt in attacks on attending doctors by relatives of patients' on alleged charge of negligence in treatment, Odisha DGP K B Singh today instructed all district SPs and DCPs of to step up police patrolling in and around government hospitals.
The instruction was issued for safety and security of doctors and other hospital staff, the DGP said.
In a circular issued on the day, the DGP has asked the supervisory officers to instruct the police station and outpost officers to book the attackers under Odisha Medicare Service Persons and Medical Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act of 2008 and other provisions of IPC or any other minor Acts.

Similarly, on FIRs registered against doctors for criminal negligence in such matters, arrests should be made only when an independent and competent opinion is obtained from a panel of qualified doctors of relevant branch, the DGP's circular said.