The Supreme Court on Tuesday took a significant step towards enhancing the security and safety of medical professionals by instructing relevant parties to submit their recommendations and suggestions for preventing gender-based violence in hospitals to a court-appointed national task force (NTF).
The directive was issued by a bench consisting of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar during a suo motu hearing concerning the safety of healthcare workers. This follows the tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, where a doctor was raped and murdered, highlighting the urgent need for robust safety protocols within medical institutions.
The NTF, established by the Supreme Court on August 20, has been tasked with developing a comprehensive safety protocol for medical professionals. The task force is expected to file its report within the next 12 weeks for the court’s consideration.
During the hearing, the Chief Justice indicated that the case would be next heard in the week commencing March 17, 2025. However, he noted that the parties could request an earlier hearing if the trial concerning the rape and murder at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital faces delays.
Previously, in November, the NTF’s preliminary report suggested that a separate central law specifically to protect healthcare professionals was unnecessary, stating that existing state laws and provisions under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, were sufficient. This report was included in an affidavit submitted by the Central government.
The NTF highlighted that 24 states had already implemented laws aimed at curbing violence against healthcare workers, with clear definitions for “health care institutions” and “medical professionals.” Additionally, two more states are in the process of introducing similar bills.
