Supreme Court Sets Up National Task Force to look into doctors' safety

The Supreme Court has set up a National Task Force to ensure the safety of doctors and asked it to file an interim report within three weeks. The decision came as the court took up the case of rape and murder of a Kolkata doctor that has shaken the country.

The task force must submit its final report within two months, a bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said as it noted existing laws do not adequately address the institutional safety of doctors.

The Chief Justice stated that the task force would comprise a diverse set of doctors, who "will apprise us of modalities to be followed all over the country to ensure safety."

The National Task Force will be led by Admiral Aarti Sarin, the Director General of Medical Services for the Navy. Joining her is Dr D Nageshwar Reddy, a renowned gastroenterologist, and Dr M Srinivas, the Director of AIIMS Delhi. The task force also includes Dr Pratima Murthy from NIMHANS Bangalore, Dr Goverdhan Dutt Puri from AIIMS Jodhpur, Dr Somikra Rawat from Gangaram Hospital, Delhi. Professor Anita Saxena, Vice Chancellor of a leading medical university, Dr Pallavi Saple from the JJ Group of Hospitals, and Dr Padma Srivastava, Chairperson of Neurology at Paras Hospital, Gurgaon, are also members of the task force.

The ex-officio members of the task force will comprise the Union Cabinet Secretary, Union Home Secretary, Union Health Secretary, the Chairperson of the National Medical Commission, and the President of the National Board of Examiners.

"The National Task Force shall make a report on all aspects of the action plan, and other aspects could also be included. The force shall also suggest appropriate timelines based on which suggestions can be implemented by the hospitals on the basis of their existing infrastructure," the Chief Justice stated.