Amid Kolkata rape controversy, Karnataka to set up task force for doctors’ safety

Bangalore:

Karnataka authorities have called a meeting with medical organisations in the wake of the rape and murder of a female doctor in Kolkata and announced the formation of a task force to ensure the safety of doctors.

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced the formation of a committee to prepare a report on safety measures to be implemented for doctors in the state.

The minister met representatives of medical organisations and health department officials at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

He emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of the many women working in the medical sector.

Following the meeting, the minister said the task force would be responsible for producing a report within a month on the measures to be taken to ensure the safety of doctors, including the implementation of regulations.

He added that the task force will include senior officials from medical organizations and the health department.

A recent incident in Kolkata captured national attention and raised awareness about the lack of safety and protection of women.

Minister Rao said that more than 50 per cent of people working in the medical sector are women and it is difficult for them to work in an atmosphere of fear.

He added that 10-12 different organizations participated in the meeting.

“Discussions were held on the safety of doctors and paramedical staff on duty. Suggestions were made to enhance safety and take precautionary measures,” the minister said.

“There are several laws protecting doctors. An amendment has been introduced that provides for a prison sentence of 3-7 years for those who assault doctors. The existing law has been further strengthened and a notification was issued yesterday in this regard,” he said.

Doctors suggested raising public awareness about these regulations.

It also recommended installing CCTV cameras in hospitals, providing wristbands, panic buttons, conducting regular check-ups in coordination with the police and expediting the disposal of cases, Mr Rao said.

Taking all these suggestions into account, it was decided to set up a committee to prepare a report on the measures that should be taken to ensure the safety of doctors.

Future action will be taken based on this report, Dinesh Gundu Rao said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)