SC-appointed NTF in Kolkata rape-murder case advises ‘No need for separate central legislation to address crimes against paramedics’ – The Week

The National Task Force set up by the Supreme Court to frame safety protocols for medical professionals has recommended against framing a separate central law for the safety of medical professionals. NTF made this recommendation in a report submitted as part of the affidavit filed by the Center in the top court.

Earlier, the task force had submitted an interim report to the top court recommending measures to prevent physical and sexual violence against medical professionals. According to NTF’s report, it was found that there are laws enacted by various states and provisions for initiating cases against criminal acts against doctors and other healthcare professionals in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

In its report submitted as part of the affidavit filed by the Center in the Supreme Court, the NTF observed that 24 states have already enacted laws against violence against healthcare workers, while two states have recently proposed legislation on this issue. The task force observed that in states where separate legislation does not exist, BNS should be immediately implemented in cases of criminal acts against doctors.

“It was observed that the state laws have sufficient provisions to deal with daily minor offenses and serious offenses can be dealt with by BNS. Therefore, there is no need for a separate central law on crimes against healthcare workers,” PTI reported quoting the NTF report.

NTF recommended short-term, medium and long-term measures to protect medical workers in healthcare facilities. He said proper investigation should be ensured in criminal cases registered for acts against medics to deter criminals.

The task force said that a safety committee should be formed in hospitals and adequate awareness should be given to female staff about the ‘Sexual Harassment Electronic Box’. The establishment of Internal Complaints Committees in hospitals was also emphasized.

The Supreme Court hearing the suo motu case regarding the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata. founded NTF It consists of top medical experts and government officials to establish safety protocols for medical professionals in hospitals. The apex court advised the 10-member team, led by Surgeon Vice Admiral RK Sarian, to formulate workable protocols to prevent violence against medical professionals and ensure better working conditions for them.