Following the shocking rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor in Kolkata, the Supreme Court has set up a national task force to ensure the safety of medical professionals across India. This decision comes amid widespread protests by doctors and healthcare workers, who are demanding better protection.
The 10-member task force will focus on preventing violence against medical staff and will submit an interim report within three weeks, followed by a final report in two months. Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, who announced the formation of the task force, stressed that protecting doctors, especially women, is a matter of national importance.
The task force includes notable medical professionals, such as:
- Surgeon Vice Admiral RK Sarian
- Dr. Reddy, Managing Director of Asian Institute of National Gastroenterology
- Dr. M. Srivas, Director of AIIMS, Delhi
- Dr. Prathima Moorthy, NIMHANS, Bangalore
- Dr. Puri, Director of AIIMS, Jodhpur
- Dr. Ravat, Managing Member of Gangaram Hospital
- Prof. Anita Saxena, Vice-Chancellor of Pandit BD Sharma College
- Dr. Pallavi
- Dr. Padma Srivastav
Additionally, the task force will include the Cabinet Secretary, the Home Secretary, and the Secretary of the Ministry of Family Welfare as ex-officio members.
The Supreme Court also criticized the West Bengal government for the delay in filing an FIR and questioned how a large mob was able to enter the hospital where the crime took place. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been asked to submit a status report on the investigation by August 22, and the West Bengal government must explain the vandalism that occurred at RG Kar Medical College.
This tragic event has highlighted ongoing issues of violence against women in India. Despite tougher laws following the 2012 Delhi gang-rape case, sexual violence remains a significant problem, with over 31,000 reported rapes in 2022 alone. The case has reignited demands for stronger protection for women and healthcare workers.
