Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to establish a National Task Force (NTF) focused on ensuring the safety and security of medical professionals. While supporting this initiative, the IMA emphasized that its demand for a central law protecting medical professionals through an ordinance remains unresolved.
The IMA has scheduled a virtual meeting with state presidents and secretaries at 9 pm to discuss the development and plan further actions. “IMA HQs welcomes the intervention by the Honorable Supreme Court. IMA will work with the committee on safety and security. The Central Law against violence by an ordinance remains IMA’s demand. The struggle continues,” read the official IMA notice. The association also plans to meet with Resident Doctors’ Associations (RDAs) in Delhi tomorrow.
The Supreme Court’s 10-member NTF, which includes Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin among others, was constituted to develop recommendations for preventing violence against medical professionals and ensuring safe working environments. The task force has been directed to submit an interim report within three weeks and a final report within two months. The committee will also create an action plan to combat gender-based violence and ensure dignified conditions for interns, residents, and non-resident doctors.
This decision follows widespread protests triggered by the recent rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata. The Supreme Court, taking suo motu cognizance of the case, also instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit a status report on its probe into the incident. Additionally, the West Bengal government has been asked to provide a report on the mob attack at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 15.
Meanwhile, the CBI continued its investigation into the trainee doctor’s case, having secured permission to conduct a polygraph test on the accused. The CBI team has also conducted 3D laser mapping at the hospital’s emergency ward.
Public outcry over the incident has drawn support from prominent figures in the Bengali music and film industry, who took to the streets on Monday demanding justice for the victim.