Sexual Harassment Prevention in Healthcare
POSH Act compliance, prevention strategies, and support systems for medical professionals
POSH Act 2013 - Key Provisions
Mandatory Compliance
- All hospitals with 10+ employees must have ICC
- Internal Complaints Committee formation
- Annual compliance reporting
- Display of POSH policy
ICC Composition
- Senior woman employee as Presiding Officer
- Two employees committed to women's rights
- One external member from NGO/legal background
- At least 50% women members
Complaint Process
- Written complaint within 90 days
- Inquiry completion within 90 days
- Confidentiality maintenance
- No victimization of complainant
Hospital POSH Compliance Status
Top Tier Hospitals (100% Compliant)
AIIMS Delhi
✓ Fully Compliant
Active ICC, regular training, anonymous reporting system
Apollo Hospitals
✓ Fully Compliant
Comprehensive POSH policy, quarterly training sessions
Fortis Healthcare
✓ Fully Compliant
Digital complaint system, external ICC member
State-wise Compliance Rates
Maharashtra
92%
Delhi
95%
Karnataka
88%
Tamil Nadu
85%
Reporting Mechanisms
Internal Reporting
- ICC Committee: Primary complaint mechanism
- HR Department: Initial consultation and guidance
- Anonymous Helpline: 24/7 confidential reporting
- Digital Portal: Online complaint submission
External Support
- Local Committee (LC): For unorganized sector
- NCW Helpline: 7827170170
- Women Helpline: 1091
- Legal Aid: District Legal Services Authority
Prevention Strategies
Institutional Measures
- Regular awareness programs
- Clear code of conduct
- Safe working environment
- Gender sensitization training
- Zero tolerance policy
Personal Safety Tips
- Document inappropriate behavior
- Seek witness support
- Report incidents promptly
- Know your rights under POSH Act
- Maintain professional boundaries
City-wise Incident Statistics
| City | Reported Cases (2023) | Resolution Rate | Support Systems |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | 45 | 89% | Strong ICC network, NGO support |
| Delhi | 52 | 92% | Government support, legal aid |
| Bangalore | 38 | 87% | IT sector best practices |
| Chennai | 29 | 85% | Cultural sensitivity programs |
| Hyderabad | 31 | 88% | Corporate compliance focus |
Support Resources
Legal Support
- District Legal Services: Free legal aid
- Women's Rights Organizations: Specialized support
- Labor Courts: Employment-related cases
- High Court: Appeal mechanisms
Counseling Services
- Hospital Counselors: On-site support
- NGO Counseling: External professional help
- Helpline Counseling: 24/7 phone support
- Peer Support Groups: Healthcare worker networks
Emergency Contacts
Immediate Help
- Women Helpline: 1091
- NCW Helpline: 7827170170
- Police: 100
- Legal Aid: 15100
Professional Support
- IMA Helpline: 011-23219842
- Medical Council: 011-23239437
- Hospital HR: Internal Extension
- ICC Committee: Institution Specific