New Delhi (TIP)- Set up by the Supreme Court in the aftermath of the rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College, the National Task Force has reiterated the government’s stance that there is no need for a separate Central law for protection of doctors.

“A separate Central law to deal with offences against healthcare professionals is, therefore, not required… It is noted that 24 states have already enacted laws to address violence against healthcare professionals… Most of the state laws cover minor offences and prescribe punishment for them. The major offences for heinous crimes are adequately covered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita,” the report submitted to the Supreme Court said.
This was among the main demands of the doctors who took to streets during the 11-day-long nationwide strike following the incident in August.
The committee also reiterated the Health ministry’s suggestion that institutional FIRs be filed within six hours of an incident. The committee went on to say that all health institutions must have a comprehensive internal incident reporting system, which can analyse the incidents and take appropriate measures to improve safety and security. The committee also said that these incident reports should be a part of the annual reports of the institutions.
The committee also suggested setting up internal complaints committee for healthcare workers on the lines of Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace. And, when it comes to sexual violence, the committee suggested increasing the awareness about government’s initiatives such as She-Box — an online portal that can be used by women to register complaints of sexual harrasment at workplace.
The committee also suggested measures such as reducing or optimising the number of entries and exits to the extent that it does not affect patient care. It also said that hospitals should ensure proper boundary walls and reduce entry of vendors within premises.
To strengthen security, the committee also suggested measures such as each hospital setting up a security committee that can oversee security measures and liaise with the police. It also suggested setting up control rooms for CCTV footage, distress call system, and quick response teams. Importantly, the committee suggested ensuring mobile network connection across the hospital building, including basements.
The committee also suggested that healthcare institutions ensure separate duty rooms for men and women, with facilities such as washroom and drinking water. It also suggested providing transport for healthcare personnel on duty at night and making all hospital vehicles GPS-enabled.