India's Supreme Court established a hospital safety task force on Tuesday to enhance protection for medical workers following the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata on August 9.
The incident has sparked nationwide outrage and led to protests by junior doctors, many of whom refuse to treat non-emergency patients until their demands for better safety measures are met.
The police have arrested a volunteer in connection with the crime, and the federal police have taken over the investigation. The case has drawn parallels to the 2012 gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old student in New Delhi, which also ignited widespread public anger and protests against violence toward women.
Did you read this?
Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, who led a three-judge bench, emphasized that women's inability to work safely is a fundamental issue of equality. The court proposed that the doctor-led task force implement comprehensive reforms to ensure the safety of medical staff, including female doctors.
However, junior doctors expressed dissatisfaction with the court’s directives, arguing that inadequate healthcare funding and staffing were not addressed.
The Supreme Court has ordered the federal police to submit an investigation report on the trainee doctor's murder by Thursday. Additionally, a federal paramilitary force has been deployed to the hospital where the crime occurred, following concerns from female doctors about their safety after the attack and subsequent vandalism.
The court suggested several safety measures, including separate resting rooms for female staff, improved campus lighting, CCTV coverage, and regular safety audits.
The task force must submit an interim report within three weeks and a final report within two months. The court also urged striking doctors to return to work to ensure safety.
The incident has underscored the persistent issue of sexual violence against women in India, despite stricter laws introduced after the 2012 Delhi gang rape.
