SC Directs Health Ministry to Engage with States for Enhanced Doctor Safety Measures

In an additional directive, the SC Bench ordered the Secretary of the Health Ministry to establish a web portal on the ministry’s official website.

In a significant move, the Supreme Court has ordered the Secretary of the Union Health Ministry to engage with the Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police across states and Union territories.

This directive aims to ensure the implementation of essential safety measures for doctors and healthcare professionals.

The Supreme Court of India issued a series of directives on Thursday while hearing a suo-motu case concerning the rape and murder of a post-graduate medical student at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

The bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, reviewed a status report submitted by the CBI alongside an affidavit from the West Bengal government.

The court mandated that these meetings must be completed within one week, and state governments are required to take remedial actions within two weeks thereafter.

The SC further instructed the recently constituted National Task Force (NTF) to consult with representatives from various stakeholders, including interns, resident doctors, senior residents, nurses, and para-medical staff, on issues related to their safety.

The Apex court also emphasized that the views of these stakeholders must be considered by the NTF in formulating its recommendations.

In an additional directive, the SC Bench ordered the Secretary of the Health Ministry to establish a web portal on the ministry’s official website.

This platform will allow doctors’ associations and other relevant stakeholders to submit their suggestions and concerns regarding safety in medical establishments.

Pending the submission of the NTF report, the court urged all states and Union territories to remain vigilant against any potential violations or breaches of safety in medical facilities.

In light of the recent tragic incident in Kolkata, the SC had earlier constituted a National Task Force to address the safety and dignity of healthcare workers.

The task force, led by Surgeon Vice Admiral RK Sarin and comprising eminent members such as Dr D Nageshwar Reddy of the Asian Institute of National Gastroenterology, Dr M Srinivas, Director of AIIMS Delhi, and Dr Pratima Murthy, Director of NIMHANS, among others, has been charged with evaluating and recommending measures to prevent gender-based violence and improve the working environment for healthcare staff.

The NTF's primary focus areas include enhancing security in emergency rooms, implementing baggage screening, improving crowd management, and installing biometric and CCTV systems.

Additionally, the task force has been instructed to conduct quarterly audits of institutional safety and establish a dedicated helpline for emergencies.