From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Belagavi

Belagavi, Nov 30: As part of the efforts to provide protection to Good Samaritans and ensure quick medical aid for road accident victims besides encouraging people to offer first aid to victims without fear of legal wrangles, a Bill was tabled in the Legislature on Wednesday.

The Karnataka Good Samaritan and Medical Professional (Protection and Regulation During Emergency Situations) Bill aimed at providing protection to medical professionals from civil and criminal liabilities, by establishing supportive legal environment, obligations of hospitals, clinics and for matters connected with accidents.

With the fear of getting embroiled in police and legal proceedings, onlookers do not volunteer to assist the victim and bystanders are hesitant to render help to the road accidents victims.

The Bill spelled out obligations on the part of hospitals and clinics to ensure timely treatment to save the patient’s life.

The total expenditure on account of the Bill is estimated to be Rs 5 crore a year.

The proposed law does not incur any civil or criminal liability for an act done or omission made while providing emergency care to an injured person.

A Good Samaritan need not give any of his own personal information such as his name, telephone number, and address at the hospital, including for the preparation of a medico-legal form and need not any expenses towards treatment of injured person.