New Law in Sindh on Protecting “Healthcare Workers" and “Ambulance Services" from Violence-A Comprehensive Overview of Sindh’s Legislative Reforms
The implementation of the Sindh Health Service Providers and Facilities Act, 2022 exemplifies a dedication to protecting healthcare professionals and institutions and promoting a secure and empathetic healthcare system in Karachi.
Ambulances in Karachi will now have the “RIGHT-OF-WAY”, according to a 2018 amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act.
The healthcare industry plays a crucial role in preserving the well-being of individuals within a society. Nevertheless, institutions and healthcare workers often encounter various obstacles, including instances of violence and property damage. Healthcare professionals in Karachi face multiple challenges when providing care to patients. Ensuring the safeguarding of patients’ well-being constitutes a crucial measure in the enhancement of healthcare outcomes for the broader population. In addition to the imminent hazards they encounter, the perpetration of violence and vandalism targeting healthcare workers and healthcare institutions poses a significant risk to the enduring sustainability of the healthcare system.
The recent actions taken by the Sindh Assembly involve the implementation of two Acts aimed at addressing the aforementioned concerns. These Acts aim to safeguard medical facilities, equipment, and infrastructure, while also prioritising the well-being of patients and their attendants. Consequently, this ensures the provision of continuous healthcare services for the population of Karachi. These Acts are designated as.
- Sindh Health Service Providers and Facilities (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, 2022 (http://www.pas.gov.pk/index.php/acts/details/en/32/504) and the
- Amendment of the Motor Vehicle Act 2018 with “Right of Way to Ambulance Service” (http://www.pas.gov.pk/uploads/acts/Sindh%20Act%20No.XXXVIII%20of%202018.pdf).
How these Acts came into existence
The collaboration between the Law Department of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology University (SZABIST) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) resulted in the development of the Sindh Health Service Providers and Facilities (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, 2022. Additionally, an amendment was proposed for the Motor Vehicle Act 2018, introducing a provision that grants the “Right of Way to Ambulance Service.” Following a series of exhaustive consultative meetings, the Law Department of SZABIST has formulated two Acts. By leveraging their understanding of legal frameworks and healthcare regulations, the individuals were able to develop a comprehensive legislative proposal that effectively addresses the urgent problem of Workplace Violence faced by healthcare workers and facilities in the province of Sindh. Shehnaz Wazirali, in her capacity as the President of SZABIST, has played a pivotal role in effectively coordinating and mobilising endeavours aimed at actualizing the implementation of these Acts. She played a crucial role in this process. The Acts were formulated and passed due to her exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to establishing a conducive environment that values and safeguards the well-being of healthcare professionals, while also ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services.
Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, the Minister of Health and Population in the Government of Sindh, demonstrated unwavering dedication and exerted significant effort in the process of transforming these Bills into Acts. Dr. Pechuho played a significant role in advocating for the aforementioned bills and demonstrated unwavering determination in securing their approval and subsequent enforcement. The passage of these Acts can be attributed to her steadfast commitment to enhancing the healthcare system and safeguarding the well-being of healthcare practitioners and individuals seeking medical care. The enactment of these significant legislations can be attributed to her diligent endeavours, signifying a substantial transformation in healthcare policies and facilitating a more stable outlook for healthcare providers and institutions in the province of Sindh.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has actively promoted the establishment of Acts aimed at enhancing legislative safeguards for healthcare workers and institutions through its Health Care in Danger project (HCiD). The comprehensive and efficient provisions of the Acts were enhanced by their extensive global experience in healthcare safety and security.
Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Minister of Health and Population, Government of Sindh, expressed that the implementation of these laws represents a significant step towards enhancing the safety of the healthcare industry. This statement was made during the Launch Ceremony of the dissemination campaign held in Karachi.
Sindh, Pakistan has witnessed the enactment of significant healthcare legislation, such as the Sindh Health Service Providers and Facilities (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, 2022, as well as the amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act 2018, which introduced the provision of granting “Right of Way to Ambulance Service.”
Sindh Health Service Providers and Facilities (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, 2022
The enactment of the Sindh Health Service Providers and Facilities Act, 2022 demonstrates the dedication of the government and pertinent stakeholders to safeguarding the well-being and protection of healthcare professionals and establishments in Karachi. The provision of legal safeguards and the establishment of enforcement mechanisms are crucial in fostering a secure and favourable setting for the provision of healthcare services. By embracing these legislations, we are progressing towards the establishment of a robust healthcare system that flourishes through the principles of compassion, respect, and safeguarding the well-being of all individuals. The enactment of the Sindh Health Service Providers and Facilities (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, 2022, in Sindh, Pakistan, signifies significant progress in addressing the issue of violence against healthcare workers and facilities. The legislation aims to achieve several objectives, including safeguarding healthcare workers, mitigating instances of violence, ensuring the security of healthcare institutions, and maintaining the uninterrupted provision of healthcare services. The implementation of this measure serves as a proactive strategy aimed at enhancing the overall security of the healthcare industry, thereby fostering a safer and more conducive working environment for all stakeholders.
Amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act of 2018 to Guarantee “Right of Way to Ambulance Service”
The expeditious and unhindered transportation of ambulances plays a pivotal role in attaining a secure and streamlined healthcare system. The Motor Vehicle Act of 2018 amendment aims to enhance traffic regulations, expedite emergency responses, and ultimately enhance the preservation of human life by acknowledging the imperative nature of granting the “Right of Way to Ambulance Service.”
The amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act 2018 has the potential to benefit Karachi’s emergency response and healthcare services. This amendment aligns with the Sindh Health Service Providers and Facilities Act 2022, further enhancing the potential benefits for these services. This amendment grants ambulances the priority in traffic, thereby facilitating their expedient transportation to desired destinations. The timely provision of critical medical care relies on unimpeded accessibility for ambulances and other emergency vehicles.
Future Directions
The importance of disseminating the Sindh Health Service Providers and Facilities (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, 2022, along with the amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act 2018 that grants the “Right of Way to Ambulance Service,” cannot be overstated. This dissemination is crucial in order to enhance awareness and promote understanding among the various stakeholders involved. The approach to distributing the information entails implementing a thorough awareness campaign through various channels, such as electronic and social media platforms. In addition to the aforementioned duties, it is incumbent upon the individual to generate educational resources, including brochures, posters, and infographics, with the aim of emphasising the fundamental provisions and responsibilities outlined within the Acts. Workshops and seminars will be organised to facilitate direct engagement with stakeholders and provide comprehensive understanding of the Acts, with the involvement of legal experts and health officials. Enhancing the dissemination efforts can be achieved through collaboration with industry groups that represent healthcare personnel, hospital administrators, and ambulance companies. The implementation of routine surveillance and evaluation measures is crucial in ensuring the efficacy of compliance, promotion, and healthcare service enhancement strategies in Karachi.
The effective dissemination of the Sindh Health Service Providers and Facilities (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, 2022, and the amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act 2018, which includes the provision of “Right of Way to Ambulance Service,” can contribute to enhanced comprehension, adherence, and the provision of improved healthcare services in Karachi. This can be achieved through the implementation of various strategies aimed at reaching the pertinent stakeholders.
Core team
Madam Shehnaz Wazirali, the President of SZABIST (Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology), has been actively involved in the dissemination of the Sindh Health Service Providers and Facilities (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, 2022 and the Motor Vehicle Act 2018 amendment with the provision of “Right of Way to Ambulance Service.” Her leadership and support have played a pivotal role in promoting the effective implementation and awareness of these Acts.
Dr. Muhammad Bilal Siddiqui is the lead implementation specialist responsible for the dissemination of the Sindh Health Service Providers and Facilities (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, 2022 and the Motor Vehicle Act 2018 amendment with the provision “Right of Way to Ambulance Service.” He is affiliated with the SZABIST (Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology) University’s Department of Public Health. Dr. Siddiqui has been instrumental in the collaborative efforts to raise awareness and assure the effective implementation of these Acts. He is the author of this blog. His LinkedIn profile is https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbsl
Barrister Rufruf Chaudhary, a renowned law expert from SZABIST’s Law Department, is a consultant in the process of dissemination from the Law end. Understanding the legal complexities of the Acts and facilitating their effective communication with relevant stakeholders has been greatly facilitated by her knowledge and counsel.
Syeda Mehwish Zara Zaidi, the Head of Media Sciences at SZABIST, has been a crucial member of the dissemination team as a Media Specialist. She has contributed to the development of effective materials and strategies for raising awareness of the Acts through her knowledge of media and communications.
Dr. Siddiqui, Ms. Chaudhary, and Ms. Zaidi, are collaborating closely with other stakeholders and team members to ensure the successful dissemination of these Acts, fostering understanding and compliance among relevant parties.