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The task force has been asked to examine and recommend measures for the safety and well-being of medical professionals
In the wake of the horrifying incident of rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata, the Supreme Court of India has today set up a National Task Force to develop a national protocol aimed at ensuring the safety and protection of women doctors across the country.
Said task force shall be headed by Surgeon Vice Admiral R Sarin and will consist of Dr. Reddy, Managing Director, Asian Institute of National Gastrology, Dr. M Srinivas, Director, AIIMS Delhi, Dr. Prathima Moorthy, NIMHANS, Bangalore, Dr. Goverdhan Puri, Director, AIIMS Jodhpur, Dr. Sumitra Rawat, Managing Member, Gangaram Hospital ,Prof. Anita Saxena, Vice-Chancellor, Pandit BD Sharma University, Dr. Pallavi Sapre and Dr. Padma Srivastav.
CJI led bench has also appointed Ex-officio members to the force who would include Cabinet Secretary to Government of India, Home Secretary to Government of India, Secretary of Union Health Ministry, Chairperson of National Medical Commission and President of National Board of Examiners.
Notably, the court further has deployed CISF at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata for the security of its doctors.
Top court took suo motu cognizance of the incident from August 9, 2024 where a young doctor working at a medical college in Kolkata was brutally raped and murdered.
Recently, a letter petition had also been filed addressing the Chief Justice of India asking him to take suo moto cognizance of this case and issue directions for an immediate and impartial investigation into the attacks on doctors protesting against the incident at the R.G. Kar Medical College.
"The recent incidents reveal a critical gap in ensuring the safety of women, particularly in sectors with a high representation of female employees, such as the medical field. Women constitute a significant portion of the workforce in healthcare as doctors, nurses, receptionists, and other roles. They often work long hours and face unique challenges that require special attention to ensure their safety..", the court has been told.
It is to be noted that Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has begun investigating the alleged rape and murder of a 31-year-old junior doctor at R G Kar Medical College in Kolkata, following the Calcutta High Court's decision to transfer the case to CBI due to the lack of progress in the state police's investigation and suspicion of evidence tampering.
The victim was found dead in a seminar hall at the hospital last Friday. The CBI has registered an FIR, building on the initial police report, which includes charges of rape and murder.
High Court's division bench of Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya strongly criticized the hospital administration, particularly the Principal, for failing to promptly lodge a complaint, which it deemed a dereliction of duty.
Court had also questioned the Principal's resignation claiming "moral responsibility" and subsequent appointment to another medical college within hours.
Two days back, Calcutta High Court has asked the Kolkata Police to place on record the entire sequence of events that led to "the unfortunate event" of vandalism of the R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital campus which occurred on the night of 14th August.
Court asked the CBI to proceed as deemed appropriate. It directed the in charge of the hospital to file two separate affidavits narrating the true state of affairs and all matters incidental and connected there by the next hearing date.
According to media reports, Kolkata Police have arrested 19 people in connection with the vandalism. A city court has remanded the individuals in custody until August 22.
A large mob stormed the medical college campus, vandalizing the emergency ward, nursing station, medicine store, and sections of the outpatient.
Also read from today's hearing:
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