Supreme Court Establishes Task Force to Ensure Doctor Safety Post Kolkata Incident

The Supreme Court has created a 10-member National Task Force (NTF) to develop protocols for the safety and security of doctors following the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. The NTF will submit an interim report in three weeks and a final report in two months.

In a landmark move, the Supreme Court has constituted a 10-member National Task Force (NTF) to devise a protocol aimed at ensuring the safety and security of medical professionals in India. This action follows the tragic rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor in Kolkata.

Headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, the bench emphasized the severe concern over the lack of institutional safety norms against violence, especially sexual violence, in medical establishments. The court highlighted that while there are existing laws to protect medical professionals, these do not tackle systemic issues effectively.

The NTF is tasked with submitting its interim report within three weeks and a final report within two months. It will formulate an action plan to prevent violence, including gender-based violence against medical professionals, and propose an enforceable national protocol for safe and dignified working conditions. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will provide all necessary logistical support for the task force.