10 July,2026 09:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar Menon
A video grab of the incident captured by a CCTV camera at the hospital
Despite the Maharashtra Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage or Loss to Property) Act, 2010, making attacks on healthcare workers and medical institutions a cognizable and non-bailable offence with a provision of up to three years' imprisonment and a Rs 50,000 fine, doctors say the law has failed as a deterrent, with poor convictions.
Out of 738 cases registered between 2010 and 2021 (64 between 2010-2015 and 674 between 2016-2021) with 1381 accused involved, only 504 cases were charge sheeted and only four saw convictions. mid-day speaks with veteran healthcare experts and association heads to understand the issue. "The medical fraternity's demand is simple - not just protection under the law, but proof that the law can protect them," an expert said.
Doctors and members of various medical associations protest at JJ Hospital, on Thursday. PIC/PTI
"With such a low conviction rate, there is little deterrence. Doctors are blamed when patients die, even though every death is not due to medical negligence," said Dr Rajeev Joshi, a pediatrician, who moved a Public Interest Litigation in Bombay High Court, raising the issue. The PIL was a big stimulus to form the Medico Legal Society of India as many doctors backed the cause.
The Maharashtra Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage or Loss to Property) Act, 2010, has significant gaps, and some provisions need strengthening. "We have recommended increasing the punishment from three years to seven years so that the law serves as a stronger deterrent and offenders do not secure immediate bail. Such offences should be non-bailable and non-compoundable, supported by an effective, comprehensive Act. Despite repeated attacks on healthcare professionals, there has been no conviction so far," Dr Pate said.
Dr Mangesh Pate, former national secretary - IMA Hospital Board of India; senior IMA leader
âOne of the biggest reasons for failure to address violence is under-reporting. In the Dombivli incident, both doctors are so traumatised they are considering leaving the profession. When I met them at Shastri Nagar Hospital, they were terrified and allegedly even being pressured to withdraw the complaint. Doctors, especially youngsters who have just entered the profession, should not have to work in an atmosphere of fear. Violence against healthcare professionals has become a major challenge. We have documented more than 100 such incidents across India to demonstrate the seriousness and scale of the problem.'
The Act was introduced by then home minister RR Patil so healthcare workers could perform their duties without fear. However, the law has failed to deter, with no reported convictions. The Dombivli attack has reportedly caused the assaulted gynaecologist and Ayush medical officer to resign. The incident, coupled with alleged political patronage for the accused, sends a damaging message. If healthcare professionals continue to feel unsafe, fewer talented students may choose medicine as a career," said Dr Santosh Kadam, immediate past president - IMA Maharashtra, and elected member - Maharashtra Medical Council.
Dr Indrajit Khandekar, professor (forensic medicine) at MGIMS, Sewagram, Wardha
âMaharashtra enacted the Act in 2010, yet there is still no publicly available database on FIRs, charge sheets, convictions or pending cases under the law. Whatever little information exists has surfaced only through government submissions before the high court, exposing serious gaps in registration, investigation, and prosecution. The state itself admitted that many police officers were unaware of the Act until sensitisation began in 2017. The problem is poor implementation. Focus should be on mandatory enforcement, better police training, speedy trials, and transparent public reporting of outcomes, rather than simply making the law more stringent.'
