Initiative follows Supreme Court order after Kolkata doctor’s tragic death; aims to improve safety and working conditions for medical professionals
The Union Health Ministry on Wednesday issued an office memorandum detailing the proposed establishment of a National Task Force (NTF) to develop protocols for safeguarding doctors across India. This action follows a Supreme Court order issued after the recent tragic rape and murder of a resident doctor at a government hospital in Kolkata.
According to the office memorandum issued on Wednesday, the task force will be chaired by the Cabinet Secretary and will be responsible for formulating effective recommendations to address safety concerns, improve working conditions, and enhance the overall well-being of medical professionals. The NTF is tasked with preparing an action plan under two main categories: preventing violence against medical professionals and establishing enforceable national protocols for safe and dignified working conditions.
The Ministry has clarified that the term ‘medical professionals’ includes doctors, medical students in their compulsory rotating medical internships (CRMI), resident doctors, senior residents, and nurses, including nursing interns. The memorandum also calls for the formation of “Employees’ Safety Committees” at every medical establishment, consisting of doctors, interns, residents, and nurses. These committees will conduct quarterly audits on institutional safety measures.
Healthcare institutes are further required to hold workshops for all medical staff, including doctors, nurses, and support staff, focusing on crisis and grief management. The NTF protocol also highlights the need for additional security measures in high-risk areas such as emergency rooms and intensive care units (ICUs). Additionally, hospitals are directed to implement baggage and personal screening systems at all entrances to prevent the entry of weapons and intoxicated individuals, except in cases where they are patients. Security personnel at hospitals will also receive training in crowd control and managing grieving persons.
