SC-appointed NTF on safety of medicos receive 300-400 suggestions

The first meeting of the National Task Force (NTF), set up to ensure the safety of medical professionals at the workplace, in accordance with directions of the Supreme Court, was held on Tuesday (August 27, 2024). The members said they had been approached directly by various stakeholders and individually received almost 300-400 suggestions.

A national portal — created by the Health Ministry to receive suggestions from stakeholders — became operational on Tuesday (August 27, 2024).

Members of the National Task Force
The SC appointed a National Task Force who are to prepare an action plan to prevent gender-based violence and ensure dignified working conditions for interns, and resident and non-resident doctors.

According to the Ministry, suggestions from major stakeholders and those received on the portal would be collated for further consideration of NTF members.

“Secretary (Health), along with NTF members, will have wider consultations with various major stakeholders. States have also been requested to provide information on the security measures available in medical institutions in the State,’’ the Ministry said.

It added that a meeting would be held on Wednesday with State Chief Secretaries and other senior officials to discuss short-term measures regarding the security of medical professionals.

Earlier, representatives of the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA), Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Resident Doctors’ Associations of Governmental Medical Colleges & Hospitals of Delhi had a series of meetings with the Union Health Ministry in the aftermath of the rape and murder of a resident doctor in R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

The Associations had put forth their demands regarding concerns over the safety and security of healthcare workers at the workplace.

“The Health Ministry had then assured them of all possible efforts to ensure the security of healthcare professionals. The representatives of all the Associations were informed that the Government is aware of the situation and is sensitive to their demands. It was also observed that 26 States have already passed legislation for protection of healthcare workers in their respective states,’’ the Ministry maintained. The Hindu