Supreme Court of India Sets Up Task Force to Protect Medical Professionals After Tragic Incident in Kolkata

The Supreme Court of India has taken a significant step to ensure the safety of medical professionals by establishing a National Task Force (NTF). This decision comes in the wake of the tragic rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate doctor at RG Kar Medical College Hospital in Kolkata on August 9, 2024.

Key Observations by the Supreme Court

A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, emphasized that the nation cannot wait for another such horrific incident to bring about change. The court criticized the West Bengal government for taking three hours to register the FIR and for the widespread circulation of the victim’s name and images on social media.

Formation of the National Task Force

The NTF will be responsible for preparing an action plan to prevent violence against medical professionals and ensure safe working conditions. The task force includes notable members such as:

• Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General, Medical Services (Navy)
• Dr. D Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology
• Dr. M Srinivas, Director, AIIMS Delhi
• Dr. Pratima Murthy, Director, NIMHANS Bengaluru
• Dr. Goverdhan Dutt Puri, Executive Director, AIIMS Jodhpur
• Dr. Saumitra Rawat, Chairperson, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
• Professor Anita Saxena, Vice-Chancellor, Pandit B D Sharma Medical University
• Dr. Pallavi Saple, Dean, Grant Medical College
• Dr. Padma Srivastava, Chairperson of Neurology, Paras Health Gurugram

Ex-officio members include the Cabinet Secretary, Home Secretary, Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Chairperson of the National Medical Commission, and President of the National Board of Examinations.

Action Plan and Recommendations

The NTF will focus on two main areas: preventing violence, including gender-based violence, and providing enforceable national protocols for safe working conditions. Recommendations will include:

• Enhanced security in volatile areas like emergency rooms and ICUs
• Screening systems at hospital entrances
• Training for security personnel
• Separate resting rooms for male and female staff
• Technological interventions like biometric access and CCTV
• Formation of Internal Complaints Committees

The NTF is expected to submit an interim report within three weeks and a final report within two months. The Supreme Court has also directed state and UT governments to gather information on security measures and facilities in hospitals.

Investigation and Future Steps

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been asked to submit a status report on the investigation of the crime, while the West Bengal government must report on the acts of vandalism that occurred at the hospital. The matter will be reviewed again on August 22.

Supreme Court of India -: The Supreme Court of India is the highest court in the country. It makes important decisions about laws and justice.

Task Force -: A task force is a group of people who are chosen to work on a specific problem or task. They come up with plans and solutions.

Medical Professionals -: Medical professionals are people who work in healthcare, like doctors and nurses. They help take care of sick or injured people.

Tragic Incident -: A tragic incident is a very sad and unfortunate event. In this case, it refers to the rape and murder of a doctor.

Kolkata -: Kolkata is a big city in the state of West Bengal, India. It is known for its rich culture and history.

National Task Force -: A National Task Force is a special group formed at the country level to address important issues. They work on creating plans and solutions for the whole nation.

Violence Against Medical Professionals -: This means any kind of harm or attack on doctors, nurses, or other healthcare workers. It can include physical attacks, threats, or other forms of violence.

RG Kar Medical College -: RG Kar Medical College is a well-known medical school and hospital in Kolkata. It trains doctors and provides medical care to patients.

West Bengal Government -: The West Bengal Government is the governing body of the state of West Bengal in India. It makes decisions and laws for the state.

FIR -: FIR stands for First Information Report. It is a document that the police create when someone reports a crime. It starts the legal process to investigate the crime.

Victim’s Images -: These are pictures of the person who was harmed or attacked. Sharing these images without permission is wrong and can hurt the victim’s family.

Prominent Medical Professionals -: These are well-known and respected doctors and healthcare workers. They have a lot of experience and knowledge in their field.

Government Officials -: Government officials are people who work for the government. They help make and enforce laws and policies.

Recommendations -: Recommendations are suggestions or advice on what should be done. The task force will give recommendations to improve safety for medical professionals.

Medical Establishments -: Medical establishments are places where healthcare is provided, like hospitals and clinics. They are where doctors and nurses work to help patients.