National Task Force Declares Central Law for Doctor Safety Unnecessary
Supreme Court Panel Recommends Strengthening Existing Laws and Improving Communication
The Supreme Court-appointed National Task Force (NTF) has concluded that a separate Central Protection Act to ensure the safety of healthcare workers is unnecessary. This decision comes amidst longstanding demands from the medical fraternity for stricter laws to safeguard doctors from violence.
The NTF, formed in response to the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor in Kolkata, consists of eminent medical professionals, including Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Dr. D Nageshwar Reddy, and Dr. M Srinivas. The task force emphasized that existing state laws and provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), are adequate to address both minor and heinous offences against healthcare professionals.
The report highlighted that 24 states already have laws protecting medical staff, with two additional states working on similar legislation. It also pointed out that these laws encompass significant offences, while minor infractions are adequately addressed under local regulations.
The NTF underscored the need to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and address gaps in states where protections for healthcare workers remain inadequate. Additionally, the task force noted that poor communication between medical staff and patients’ families often exacerbates tensions, leading to violence. Recommendations were made to improve interaction and understanding between stakeholders.
While the NTF concluded that new central legislation is unwarranted, it stressed the importance of consistent enforcement of existing laws and clear reporting mechanisms for violent incidents in healthcare settings.
This landmark decision sheds light on the need for comprehensive systemic changes and cooperative efforts to foster a safer and more respectful environment for healthcare workers nationwide.