Kolkata Introduces 'Rater Sathi' for Women's Night Shift Safety Amid Medical Community Protests

In response to nationwide outrage over the rape and murder of a woman trainee doctor in Kolkata, a new initiative titled 'Rater Sathi' has been launched to improve the safety of women working night shifts in hospitals. The program includes safety apps and designated safe zones monitored by CCTV.

Amidst growing outrage over the tragic rape and murder of a woman trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, Alapan Bandyopadhyay, the Chief Advisor to West Bengal Chief Minister, has announced the launch of 'Rater Sathi,' a flagship program aimed at ensuring the safety of women working night shifts in hospitals.

During a press conference, Bandyopadhyay outlined the 'Rater Sathi' initiative as a comprehensive, multi-departmental effort to enhance the safety and welfare of women in such roles. 'Rater Sathi is a key program designed to ensure the safety of women who work night shifts in hospitals and similar places. It's an overall structural approach and multi-departmental initiative,' he stated.

He further explained that a special mobile app featuring alarm functions, which will be connected to local police stations and control rooms, will be made mandatory for all working women. Additionally, three designated safe zones with full CCTV coverage will be established. Volunteers and private female security guards, along with police support, will ensure safety during night hours under this program.

Bandyopadhyay added that efforts would be made to limit women's working shifts to not exceed twelve hours whenever possible and to avoid night shifts. The recent incident has ignited nationwide protests and demands for justice, with medical professionals and associations such as the Indian Medical Association (IMA) calling for a 24-hour service withdrawal in solidarity.

Earlier today, protests erupted at various medical institutions including Mangalagiri AIIMS Hospital and Delhi's Lady Hardinge Medical College. The IMA has appealed for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention in this matter. The 24-hour withdrawal of services, effective from August 17 to August 18, aims to highlight the urgent need for improved safety measures for women in the medical field.

(With inputs from agencies.)