Goa Sets Up First-Ever Task Force for Medical Professionals' Safety

Goa announces the formation of a dedicated task force committee to ensure the safety of medical professionals, following an incident in Kolkata. The task force will be led by the Dean of Goa Medical College and includes key department heads. Measures such as enhanced surveillance and increased security presence will be quickly implemented.

In a pioneering move, Goa became the first state to announce the establishment of a task force committee focused on the safety of medical professionals, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane revealed on Monday.

The creation of the committee follows the tragic August 9 incident involving the rape-murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. The task force will be headed by Goa Medical College Dean, Dr. SM Bandekar, with members including Heads of Departments from Forensic Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pathology, Respiratory Medicine, Emergency and Trauma, and Psychiatry, along with the Director of Academics, the Hospital Matron, and other key representatives.

Moreover, the state government will promptly implement the demands of the Goa Association of Resident Doctors (GARD). These include enhanced surveillance, better lighting in insufficiently lit areas, and an increased active security presence. The task force will follow a strict timeline to ensure that all measures and demands are addressed efficiently. Rane emphasized the state's commitment to safeguarding the medical community and maintaining high safety standards at GMC.