The advisory was prompted by the death of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor, whose body was found in a seminar hall within the college premises
In response to a tragic incident at Kolkata’s R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued an advisory to all medical colleges and institutions, following directions from Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda. The advisory aims to ensure a safer work environment for medical professionals across the country.
The advisory was prompted by the death of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor, whose body was found in a seminar hall within the college premises. The incident, which has sparked widespread concern, led the Calcutta High Court to transfer the investigation from the Kolkata Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), suspecting foul play in what has been termed a rape and murder case.
In light of the incident, the NMC’s advisory highlights the growing concern over violence against doctors and healthcare workers in medical institutions. It states, “Incidents of violence against doctors in medical colleges have been reported in the recent past. All medical colleges are requested to develop a policy for a safe work environment within the college and hospital campus for all staff members, including faculty, medical students, and resident doctors.”
The advisory outlines specific safety measures that institutions should implement to protect their staff and students. These include ensuring that all key areas such as outpatient departments (OPDs), wards, casualty areas, hostels, and residential quarters are adequately secured. It also emphasizes the importance of well-lit corridors and campus areas, especially in the evening, to allow safe passage for staff and students. The advisory further recommends that “sensitive areas” within the campus be equipped with CCTV cameras for better monitoring.
The advisory also sheds light on the conditions that contributed to the incident. The victim was reportedly resting in the seminar hall due to the lack of designated resting rooms for doctors on night duty. This area was not covered by CCTV cameras, highlighting a significant gap in the existing safety measures.
To address such issues, the NMC has urged medical colleges to deploy adequate security personnel, both male and female, across various critical areas of the campus. These include OPDs, wards, casualty departments, labor rooms, hostels, and residential quarters, as well as other open areas within the medical college and hospital premises.
The advisory also stresses the importance of a prompt response to any incidents of violence against medical students. It directs college management to thoroughly investigate such incidents and to ensure that an FIR is lodged with the police without delay. Additionally, the NMC mandates that a detailed action-taken report be submitted to the commission within 48 hours of any such incident.
This advisory underscores the need for a proactive approach in safeguarding medical professionals and ensuring that medical institutions are safe spaces for all.
