In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India on Tuesday mandated the creation of a National Task Force to enhance the safety and security of women doctors across the country. This action comes in response to the ongoing protests surrounding the rape and murder of a medic at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
Key Highlights:
- Creation of National Task Force:
- Chief Justice DY Chandrachud announced the establishment of a National Task Force aimed at developing comprehensive strategies to ensure the safety of doctors working in hospitals. “We are establishing a national task force consisting of doctors from across India to develop strategies ensuring the safety and security of doctors within hospitals,” said CJI Chandrachud. He urged all medical professionals to trust the Court’s commitment to their protection.
- Supreme Court’s Critique of West Bengal Authorities:
- The Supreme Court criticized the West Bengal government and RG Kar Medical College for the delay in filing the FIR and handling the case. The Court emphasized that the nation cannot afford to wait for another tragedy to prompt necessary societal changes.
- Action Against Former Principal:
- The bench also inquired about the steps that need to be taken against former principal Sandip Ghosh, reflecting the Court’s focus on accountability in the aftermath of the incident.
Measures Proposed by the National Task Force:
To address the concerns raised by the case and restore confidence among medical professionals, the National Task Force will implement the following measures:
- Enhanced Security: Increased security in emergency rooms and strict baggage screening to prevent unauthorized access and potential threats.
- Crowd Management: Limiting non-patients’ access to hospital premises and managing crowds effectively.
- Facilities Improvement: Establishment of gender-neutral restrooms and adequate lighting with CCTV installations across hospital areas.
- Transport and Crisis Support: Provision of transportation for medical staff from 10 pm to 6 am, workshops on handling grief and crisis, and emergency helplines for medical professionals.
National Task Force Members:
The Supreme Court has announced the following members of the National Task Force:
- Admiral Aarti Sarin: Director General of Medical Services, Navy
- Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy
- Dr. M. Srinivas: Director, AIIMS Delhi
- Dr. Pratima Murthy: NIMHANS Bangalore
- Dr. Goverdhan Dutt Puri: AIIMS Jodhpur
- Dr. Somikra Rawat: Gangaram Hospital Delhi
- Prof. Anita Saxena: Vice Chancellor
- Pallavi Saple: JJ Group of Hospitals
- Padma Srivastava: Chairperson of Neurology, Paras Hospital Gurgaon
The Supreme Court’s decisive actions underscore a commitment to safeguarding the well-being of medical professionals and ensuring that such tragedies do not recur. The Court’s intervention marks a significant step towards creating a safer work environment for doctors across India.
