Institute of Medicine & Law (IML) launches ‘Dr. Archana Sharma MedLegal Helpdesk’ for doctors

Mumbai, 11 May, 2022: ‘Dr. Archana Sharma MedLegal Helpdesk’ was launched today by Institute of Medicine & Law. This helpdesk is important and relevant in the backdrop of the recent suicide of Dr. Archana Sharma in Rajasthan. It aims to provide free legal aid and advise as well as spread awareness amongst doctors about their rights in cases of criminal medical negligence. Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM), All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS), Indian Medical Association (IMA), Association of Physicians of India (API), Indian Rheumatology Association (IRA), Neurological Society of India (NSI), are a few of the national medical associations that have partnered with the Institute of Medicine & Law for this helpdesk.

In 2005, the Supreme Court in the landmark judgment in Jacob Mathews v/s State of Punjab has provided certain protections to doctors in criminal proceedings irrespective of whether they are initiated in the police station or in courts. Unfortunately, doctors are not aware of this important privilege and the ones who are aware are unable to appreciate and use it. The helpdesk intends to address these shortcomings.

This helpdesk will provide legal aid and advice to doctors, provide speakers for webinars for Medical Societies / Hospitals / Medical Colleges / Doctors’ Groups, and train ‘doctor-volunteers’ who in turn will educate other doctors on their legal rights in police cases. IML aims to provide this service to doctors across the country and that too freely.

The Institute of Medicine & Law (IML) and the partner medical societies have appealed to doctors across the country to join, volunteer and/or use the services of this helpdesk in cases where they are facing or threatened with criminal proceedings for medical negligence.