Safe and Quality Healthcare

It is the duty of medical establishments to provide a safe and clean environment for treatment. Infection control measures, safe drinking water and sanitation facilities should be provided in accordance with BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards)/FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) guidelines. The standard of care to be followed with regard to medical equipment and infrastructure has been mentioned in the Clinical Establishment (Central Government) Rules, 2012. The National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) has released standards to be followed by hospitals for quality assurance.

If a doctor causes death of a patient due to a rash or negligent act, they can be punished for such death.¹ If hurt² or grievous hurt³ is caused to a patient as a result of the rash or negligent act of a medical professional, the medical professional can be punished with jail term up to 1 year⁴ (in case of hurt)/7 years or fine or both⁵

1. Section 304 A, Indian Penal Code, 1860. [↩]
2. Section 319, Indian Penal Code, 1860. [↩]
3. Section 320,  Indian Penal Code, 1860. [↩]
4. Section 323, Indian Penal Code, 1860. [↩]
5. Section 325, Indian Penal Code, 1860. [↩]