Center Forms 4 Sub-Groups to Advise NTF on Healthcare Worker Safety

The recommendations will then be reviewed by the NTF, which was established by the Supreme Court to develop comprehensive guidelines for the protection of healthcare workers.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has constituted four theme-based sub-groups to provide recommendations on the safety and protection of healthcare workers.

These sub-groups have been tasked to submit their recommendations to the ministry within three weeks.

The recommendations will then be reviewed by the National Task Force (NTF), which was established by the Supreme Court to develop comprehensive guidelines for the protection of healthcare workers.

The sub-groups will focus on key areas including the strengthening of medical infrastructure, enhancement of security systems in healthcare institutions, improvement of working conditions for healthcare professionals, and the development of a robust legal framework across states.

How do the Sub-Groups Work?

According to an office memorandum from the health ministry, these sub-groups may hold meetings with stakeholders who have already submitted their views on the MoHFW portal, along with other stakeholders as deemed necessary.

Further, the groups will finalize their recommendations based on these consultations and inputs from state governments and medical institutions.

Once the recommendations are compiled, they will be submitted to the MoHFW for review and subsequently presented to the NTF for finalization within the timelines established by the Apex Court.

Following this process, the NTF will prepare an action plan divided into two main categories: prevention of violence against medical professionals and provision of safe working conditions, and the establishment of an enforceable national protocol for dignified and safe working conditions for all medical professionals, including interns, residents, doctors, nurses, and other staff.

The NTF will also frame guidelines to ensure adequate security in medical establishments, develop infrastructural support, prevent sexual violence against medical staff, regulate duty hours for doctors, and institutionalize distress call systems.

These guidelines aim to address critical concerns related to the safety and working conditions of healthcare professionals across India.

The Supreme Court of India has established a NTF to address the safety and dignity of healthcare workers following the recent rape and murder of a resident doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The decision, made by a Bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, aims to tackle such issues in a suo motu case.

The task force, headed by Surgeon Vice Admiral RK Sarian, includes notable members such as Dr D. Nageshwar Reddy of the Asian Institute of National Gastrology, Dr M Srinivas, Director of AIIMS Delhi, and others. Ex-officio members include the Cabinet Secretary, Home Secretary, and Union Health Ministry Secretary.

The NTF will evaluate and recommend measures to prevent gender-based violence and enhance the working conditions of healthcare staff.