Supreme Court Establishes Task Force for Medical Professionals' Safety

The Union Health Ministry has issued an office memorandum outlining the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the National Task Force (NTF) on the safety of doctors, established by the Supreme Court. This task force was formed following the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata.

The NTF is tasked with creating effective recommendations to address safety, working conditions, and well-being of medical professionals. The Supreme Court has directed the NTF to develop an action plan under two main categories: preventing violence against medical professionals and ensuring safe working conditions, and preventing sexual violence against medical professionals.

Ensuring Safety in Medical Establishments

The ToR specifies that departments and areas within hospitals should be trained based on their volatility and potential for violence. Emergency rooms and intensive care units, being more prone to violence, may require additional security measures. The NTF will also consider implementing baggage and person screening systems at hospital entrances to prevent weapons and intoxicated individuals from entering.

In terms of infrastructure, there should be separate resting rooms for male and female doctors and nurses, along with a gender-neutral common resting space. These rooms must be well-ventilated, have sufficient beds, and provide drinking water facilities. Access to these rooms should be restricted through security devices.

Technological Interventions and Security Measures

The task force will explore technological interventions like biometric and facial recognition systems to regulate access to critical areas. Adequate lighting throughout hospitals, installation of CCTV cameras at all entry and exit points, and corridors leading to patient rooms are also recommended. If medical professionals' accommodations are far from hospitals, transport should be provided between 10 pm and 6 am.

Social workers trained in grief and crisis counselling should be employed in all medical establishments. Workshops on handling grief and crisis should be conducted for all employees, including doctors, nurses, and helpers. Additionally, Employee Safety Committees comprising doctors, interns, residents, and nurses should conduct quarterly audits on institutional safety measures.

Preventing Sexual Violence

The ToR highlights that the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013 applies to hospitals and nursing homes, including private health providers. Hospitals must constitute Internal Complaints Committees as per the Act's provisions.

Medical professionals include doctors, medical students undergoing compulsory rotating medical internships (CRMI), resident doctors, senior resident doctors, and nurses including nursing interns. The NTF is free to make recommendations on all aspects of the action plan and any other relevant areas. They may also suggest appropriate timelines for implementing these recommendations.

Task Force Members

The 10-member task force includes Vice Admiral Arti Sarin; Dr D Nageshwar Reddy; Dr M Srinivas; Dr Pratima Murthy; Dr Goverdhan Dutt Puri; Dr Saumitra Rawat; Professor Anita Saxena; Dr Pallavi Saple; Dr Padma Srivastava. Ex-officio members include the cabinet secretary, home secretary to the Union government, secretary of the Ministry of Health, chairperson of the National Medical Commission, and president of the National Board of Examinations.

The NTF is expected to consult relevant stakeholders while formulating its recommendations. The Supreme Court has given it the liberty to make additional suggestions where necessary.