Government Urges Immediate Measures for Doctor Safety

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra co-chaired a meeting with state officials to discuss urgent safety measures for doctors and healthcare professionals. This follows the Supreme Court's directives after the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata.

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra co-chaired a virtual meeting with Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police (DGPs) from various states on Wednesday. The discussion focused on immediate steps needed to enhance the safety and security of doctors and healthcare professionals, following the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata on August 9. The meeting comes in the wake of the Supreme Court's order on August 22, mandating states and Union Territories to implement basic safety measures in healthcare settings, pending the National Task Force's (NTF) report.

This meeting followed the initial gathering of the National Task Force, chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, on Tuesday. The Union Health Secretary emphasized the need for innovative solutions and highlighted immediate steps for creating a safer working environment for healthcare workers. Proposed measures include conducting joint security audits with district officials to identify and address any infrastructure and security shortcomings.

Additionally, the Union Health Secretary called for regular security checks for hired security staff, establishing control rooms to monitor CCTV footage in large hospitals, and conducting mock drills for security personnel. Other recommendations included forming a security and safety committee involving both senior and junior medical staff and implementing routine patrols at healthcare facilities. The National Task Force's first meeting witnessed detailed discussions with contributions from various members, as stated in a release by the Union Health Ministry. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)