KA Govt Bill – Insulting Doctor on Social Media, Video Can Lead to 3 Months in Jail Or Fine of Rs 10,000

THE KARNATAKA PROHIBITION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST MEDICARE SERVICE PERSONNEL AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY IN MEDICARE SERVICE INSTITUTIONS ACT , 2009

In a bid to enhance the safety and dignity of healthcare professionals, the Karnataka government has introduced the Karnataka Medical Registration and Certain Other Law (Amendment) Bill 2024. This legislative measure aims to address and penalize intentional insults directed at doctors, nurses, medical students, and paramedical staff.

The bill defines “intentional insult” as the use of words, gestures, or digital content meant to insult, humiliate, disgrace, or abuse healthcare personnel, whether directly or through social media and unauthorized recordings.

The Karnataka Medical Registration and Certain Other Law (Amendment) Bill 2024 states that intentional insult means “use of words, figures or gestures with an intention to insult, humiliate, disgrace, annoy or abuse a medicare service personnel either directly addressed to him or through social media or through unauthorised audio and video recording and photographing in connection with his professional duty”.

Under this bill, those found guilty of such offenses could face up to three months in prison or a fine of up to Rs. 10,000. Offenses under sections 3, 3A, and 4A of the bill are categorized as cognizable and non-bailable, emphasizing the severity of the measures.

This initiative marks a significant step towards protecting those on the front lines of healthcare and ensuring a respectful and safe working environment for medical professionals.

“Medicare service personnel in relation to a medicare service institution” shall include,- (i) Registered Medical Practitioners, working in Medicare Institutions (including those having provisional registration); (ii) Registered nurses; (iii) Medical students; (iv) Nursing students; (v) Para medical workers employed and working in Medicare Service Institutions;