Kolkata Doctor Case: Supreme Court Forms National Task Force To Ensure Safety Of Medical Professionals, Here's All About It

Taking suo moto cognizance of the trainee doctor's rape and murder at state-run Kolkata hospital, the Supreme Court on Tuesday (20 August) formed a National Task Force (NTF) for the safety of medical professionals.

Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud observed that doctors don't get proper resting places and basic hygiene facilities and also face a lack of security in medical healthcare units.

"Doctors are left to handle unruly patients; only one common toilet is there for medical professionals in the hospital; professionals have to travel distances for washroom accessibility," he added.

The NTF will have Surgeon Vice Admiral RK Sarian Dr Nageshwar Reddy, Managing Director Asian Institute of National Gastroenterology and Dr M Srivas, Director AIIMS, Delhi, LiveLaw reported.

It will also have Dr Prathima Moorthy, NIMHANS, Bangalore, Dr Govardhan Dutt Puri, Director, AIISs, Jodhpur, Dr Ravat, Managing Member of Gangaram Hospital and Prof Anita Saxena, VC of Pandit BD Sharma College.

Dr Pallavi and Dr Padma Srivastav are also included in the NTF with the cabinet secretary, the home secretary and the secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare as its ex-officio members.

Chairperson of the National Medical Commission and President of the National Board of Examiners are also ex-officio members of the NTF, which has been tasked to recommend how to ensure the safety of medical professionals.

The NTF will also make action plans to prevent violence including gender-based violence against medical professionals and provide an enforceable national protocol for dignified and safe working conditions for interns, residents, senior residents, doctors etc.

"NTF is entitled to make additional suggestions wherever appropriate. The NTF shall also suggest the appropriate timelines by which the recommendations are to be implemented based on facilities in hospitals," the CJI said.

"NTF is required to consult all stakeholders bearing in mind the urgency and gravity of the situation. NTF is required to submit an interim report within three weeks and a final report in two months from the date of this order," he added.