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.