IMA Criticizes NTF’s Approach to Doctor Safety, Reiterates Demand for Central Law

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the recommendations of the Supreme Court-appointed National Task Force (NTF) on the safety of medical professionals. The IMA, particularly critical of the NTF’s stance against enacting a Central law for the protection of doctors, labeled the approach as disconnected and “elitist.”

During a visit to Hyderabad, IMA national president Dr. R.V. Asokan voiced concerns about the NTF’s lack of representation of grassroots realities. “The recommendations do not address the real fears of doctors working in rural and underserved areas. Many NTF members operate from secure environments and cannot fully grasp the vulnerabilities of doctors working in Tier-3 towns and villages,” he stated.

The demand for a Central law has gained urgency following rising incidents of violence against healthcare workers, including the recent alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. The Supreme Court had constituted the nine-member NTF on August 20 to address the safety and working conditions of medical professionals in response to such incidents.

Dr. Asokan emphasized that a Central law would not only act as a deterrent but also signify government support for medical professionals. “While legislation alone cannot solve violence, a Central law would reassure doctors nationwide that their safety is a priority,” he remarked.

The IMA plans to submit its formal critique of the NTF’s recommendations during the ongoing suo-motu case in the Supreme Court. It also highlighted that many NTF members, insulated by their professional settings, might not fully comprehend the constant threats faced by those in high-risk environments.

The NTF proposed several measures to prevent violence, such as establishing security committees in hospitals, deploying trained personnel, installing CCTV cameras, enhancing police coordination, and providing emergency transport for night-shift staff. However, the IMA insists that these steps are insufficient without a strong legal framework to safeguard medical professionals, especially in underserved regions.

Reiterating its call for a Central law, the IMA remains resolute in advocating for comprehensive and enforceable protections for doctors across the country.