The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has formally put into force the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Healthcare Service Providers and Facilities (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, 2020 This follows persistent demands by health workers who faced threats assaults and disruption in their duties

A notification from the Director General Health Services has ordered all regional directors district health officers medical superintendents and medical institutions across the province to strictly apply the law The directive mandates reporting incidents of violence damage to property or disruption of services to the health ministry’s coordination section in Peshawar

Under the law anyone who commits violence against healthcare workers or causes damage in healthcare facilities can face up to three years in jail and a fine up to Rs 50,000 The law also requires offenders to compensate hospitals double the purchase price of damaged equipment or property If they fail to pay the compensation it can be recovered as arrears of land revenue

The act obligates healthcare institutions to provide written records of medical treatment to patients or their designated relatives ensuring transparency and patient rights Officials have ordered all hospitals in KP to prominently display the law and train staff to respond whenever violations occur

Healthcare workers associations including young doctors paramedics and nursing staff have welcomed the enforcement of this law expressing relief that their long-standing calls for protection are being addressed They believe this step will reduce disturbances ensure safer working conditions and restore trust in public healthcare services

This enforcement is expected to reduce violence in hospitals speed up legal action against offenders and ensure patients can receive uninterrupted care The success of this law will depend on consistent reporting monitoring and accountability by authorities across the province