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SC forms Task Force to address doctor safety, appoints AIG chairman Dr Reddy as member

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SC Task Force Doctor Safety

Hyderabad: Chairman of Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) Hospitals and Padma Bhushan awardee Dr D. Nageshwar Reddy was appointed as a member of the National Task Force (NFT) which was constituted by the Supreme Court to address critical issues concerning the safety and dignity of doctors and medical professionals.

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday constituted a National Task Force (NTF). The order was passed by a Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, alongside Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, in a suo motu case initiated following the tragic rape and murder of a 31-year-old resident doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The task force comprising top doctors has been asked to file an interim report within three weeks and a final report within two months.

“Ultimately what is equality under the constitution if women cannot be safe in their workplace. Ensuring safety of doctors and women doctors is a matter of national interest,” observed the apex court. The Supreme Court has directed the task force to examine and recommend measures to ensure the safety and well-being of medical professionals. The task force is also tasked with formulating a national action plan to prevent gender-based violence and to ensure safe and dignified working conditions for interns, resident doctors, and other medical staff.

The National Task Force will comprise the following distinguished members-Surgeon Vice Admiral R Sarin, Dr. D Nageshwar Reddy, Dr. M Shreenivas, Dr. Pratima Murty, Dr. Goverdhan Dutt Puri,Dr. Saumitra Rawat,Prof. Anita Saxena, Head of Cardiology, AIIMS Delhi,Prof. Pallavi Sapre, Dean of Grant Medical College, Mumbai, Dr. Padma Srivastava, Neurology Department, AIIMS Delhi.

In addition to these members, the task force will include several ex-officio members: the Cabinet Secretary to the Government of India, the Home Secretary, the Secretary of the Union Health Ministry, the Chairperson of the National Medical Commission, and the President of the National Board of Examiners.

“The NTF shall report on all aspects of the action plan mentioned above and may include other relevant considerations. The NTF shall also suggest appropriate timelines for implementing these recommendations based on the hospitals’ existing infrastructure,” the Court stated in its order.