Supreme Court Forms Task Force to Protect Doctors

Syllabus: GS2/ Polity and Governance

Context:

• The Supreme Court has constituted a National Task Force (NTF) to formulate comprehensive safety protocols for healthcare workers across India.

Key Points:

• NTF’s Mandate: The NTF will devise an action plan to ensure the safety and well-being of medical professionals, with a focus on preventing gender-based violence and creating dignified working conditions.
• Action Plan: The plan will address issues like enhanced security in emergency rooms, provision of restrooms and gender-neutral spaces, biometric and facial recognition systems, regular audits, and application of the POSH Act.

Challenges Faced by Healthcare Workers:

• Workload and burnout
• Violence and abuse
• Inadequate compensation
• Infrastructure issues
• Health and safety risks

Legal Protection:

• Currently, there is no central law to safeguard healthcare workers nationwide. 19 states have implemented their own statutes, but there is a lack of uniformity. Kerala and Karnataka provide the most robust legal protections.

Challenges in Enacting a Central Law:

• Public health is a state subject, and the central government has not prioritized a central law.

Way Ahead:

• Developing a robust incident reporting mechanism and enforcing workplace safety policies are essential.

Conclusion:

• The NTF’s formation is a significant step towards addressing the systemic issues faced by healthcare workers. A comprehensive central law and effective implementation of safety measures are crucial for ensuring their well-being