In response to the ongoing strike by Resident Doctors, the Union Health Ministry issued an
Office Memorandum on Wednesday regarding the National Task Force (NTF) for the safety
of medical professionals. This task force, formed by the Supreme Court, is headed by the
Cabinet Secretary of India.
The 14-member task force, comprising ex-officio members and experts, includes key figures
such as the Home Secretary, the Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the
Chairperson of the National Medical Commission, and prominent medical professionals from
various institutions.
The NTF is mandated to submit an interim report within three weeks and a final report within
two months from the Supreme Court’s order on August 20. The Ministry will provide
logistical support, including travel arrangements and secretarial assistance, for the task force.
The task force’s primary objective is to develop recommendations to improve the safety,
working conditions, and overall well-being of medical professionals. This includes
formulating an actionable plan to prevent violence against healthcare workers and ensuring
safe and dignified working environments for all medical staff, including interns, residents,
doctors, and nurses.
The task force is also empowered to make additional suggestions and set timelines for
implementing these recommendations. The NTF may consult relevant stakeholders to address
these concerns comprehensively.
Amid the strike, the impact on services at AIIMS Delhi has been significant, with a 65%
reduction in OPD services, a 40% decrease in admissions, and a 90% drop in operation
theatre activities as of Wednesday afternoon.
Earlier, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) urged Union Health Minister JP Nadda to
enact a central law to address violence against healthcare workers and enhance safety in
medical facilities. The IMA highlighted the urgency of this issue, particularly in light of
recent violent incidents, and stressed the need for a national law to protect healthcare
professionals.
In light of a recent rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata, which triggered nationwide
protests, the Supreme Court established the NTF and directed it to submit a report on
measures to prevent violence against healthcare professionals. The court also requested a
status report from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on the ongoing investigation into
the case.
