A National Task Force sub-committee, established by the Supreme Court to enhance working conditions for healthcare professionals, concluded a significant meeting on September 23, 2024. This formation came in the wake of a tragic incident involving the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
During its four meetings, the sub-committee highlighted a series of immediate, intermediate, and long-term strategies aimed at improving safety and professional standards. Immediate steps include organizing workshops and awareness sessions centered around the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act). A vital recommendation involves creating and implementing a grievance redressal system in government hospitals across the country.
Proposals for intermediate measures encompass regulating duty hours for resident doctors to between 48 and 74 hours per week, alongside conducting biannual audits to evaluate staffing requirements. Long-term objectives emphasize the need for proactive safety briefings within healthcare institutions and enhancing recruitment efforts within State health directorates to strengthen the workforce.
Additionally, a member of the sub-committee raised a critical point regarding public figures, including politicians, suggesting they should seek prior approval before accessing government hospitals. This measure aims to preserve public trust in healthcare institutions, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the system.
The final recommendations from the sub-committee are set to be submitted to the central government shortly.
Published – September 24, 2024, 10:54 am IST
