Punjab health dept orders docs to give medico-legal reports in 2 days
Patiala, July 18 -- To streamline the process of medico-legal investigations and reduce patient harassment, the Punjab health department has mandated that doctors submit medico-legal reports (MLRs), including X-rays, CT scans and other test results, to investigating officers (IOs) within two days of preparation. The new directive also stipulates that failure to comply with this order will lead to disciplinary action and potential legal consequences for the concerned doctors. The order, issued by the Punjab health secretary to all heads of government medical institutions, comes in the wake of a Punjab and Haryana high court ruling dated July 7, 2025, which criticised the delays in the release of MLR-related medical reports and the consequent harassment faced by affected persons. The court's remarks were prompted by repeated complaints of undue delays, which not only hamper the pace of criminal investigations but also cause unnecessary distress to patients, particularly those involved in medico-legal cases.
The Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA), representing government doctors, has opposed the court's directive and the subsequent administrative order. Dr Akhil Sarin, state president of the PCMSA, said: "Our executive body has unanimously decided to challenge the order in the HC. A 10-member committee has been formed for this purpose. We demand the recruitment of more computer operators and an upgrade in medico-legal data software to ensure timely compliance."...
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