[RG Kar Doctor Rape-Murder] "Follow Supreme Court Orders, Regulate Access & Ensure Security Patrols": Centre (MoHFW) To States

The Health Ministry letter to state Chief Secretaries and Director-Generals of police forces underlined the two-week deadline set by the top court. The reference was to a Supreme Court on August 22, in which a bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud directed the authorities to take all necessary steps to reassure doctors and healthcare workers of physical and mental safety while at hospitals and medical facilities.

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[RG Kar Doctor Rape-Murder] "Follow Supreme Court Orders, Regulate Access & Ensure Security Patrols": Centre (MoHFW) To States

New Delhi: The public outrage is intensifying over the horrifying rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital, alongside similarly distressing incidents across the nation, such as the rapes of nurses in Uttarakhand and Maharashtra.

In response to this growing unrest, the Union Health Ministry issued a directive on Friday to states, urging compliance with Supreme Court orders concerning the establishment of

“certain basic requirements… to assuage doctors over workplace safety.”

This directive refers to a Supreme Court ruling from August 22, in which a bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud instructed authorities to take all necessary measures to ensure the physical and mental safety of doctors and healthcare workers within hospitals and medical facilities.

In its letter to the Chief Secretaries and Director-Generals of Police across states, the Health Ministry emphasized the two-week deadline imposed by the Supreme Court.

The letter also detailed a list of-

“immediate measures… to enhance security and provide a safer working environment for healthcare workers.”

The Key Points Outlined in the Directive Include

The prominent display of laws protecting healthcare workers, along with the penalties or punishments for violations, within hospital premises in both English and the local language.

The formation of ‘hospital security’ and ‘violence prevention’ committees, comprising senior doctors and administrative officers, to strategize and implement security measures.

The regulation of public and patient relatives’ access to key areas of the hospital, coupled with the enforcement of a strict ‘visitor pass’ policy for patient attendants and relatives.

Provisions for the safe movement of resident doctors and nurses between different buildings on campus, including hostels and other hospital areas, particularly during night duties.

Ensuring proper lighting within all hospital buildings and across the campus.

Routine patrolling of the hospital campus during nighttime hours.

The establishment of a 24×7 manned security control room.

The creation of a link with the local police station.

The formation of an internal committee on sexual harassment.

The proper functioning of CCTV cameras throughout the campus.

The Supreme Court took suo moto cognizance of the Kolkata doctor’s murder and the subsequent nationwide protests by healthcare workers. On August 20, the court urged striking doctors to return to their duties.

Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasized the critical impact of doctors’ absence on vulnerable sections of society in need of medical care.

He stated,

“We earnestly appeal to all doctors… we are here to ensure their safety and protection. Please trust us, that is why we have not left the matter to the (Calcutta) High Court.”

As part of its commitment, the Supreme Court also ordered the creation of a national task force focused on the safety of healthcare workers. The Health Ministry issued this order last week, announcing a 14-member team led by an officer of Cabinet Secretary rank.

This team is tasked with presenting recommendations to ensure safe working conditions and the overall well-being of medical professionals.

Furthermore, the court assured that no punitive action would be taken against protesting doctors upon their return to work. In response, several resident doctors’ associations, including that of Delhi’s AIIMS, have since called off their strike