The National Task Force (NTF) today held a meeting with State Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police to discuss short term measures for the security of medical professionals. The meeting was co-chaired by Union Home Secretary and Health Secretary via video conferencing. The Task Force has been set up by the Supreme Court to make recommendations for safety, security and working conditions of medical professionals.
Yesterday, Union Cabinet Secretary had chaired the first meeting of the Task Force in New Delhi. The meeting discussed in detail various issues and the members of the Task Force put forth their suggestions. The NTF members informed that they have been approached directly by various stakeholders and have individually received almost 300 to 400 suggestions.
Union Health Ministry has created a national portal on its website under the title “Suggestions to NTF”- seeking suggestions from individuals and different stakeholders across the country. Suggestions of major stakeholders and those received on the portal will be collated by the Ministry for further consideration of the members of NTF. The Health Secretary along with NTF members will have wider consultations with various major stakeholders. States have also been requested to provide information on the security measures available in medical institutions in the State.
The apex court, while hearing the case regarding the rape and murder of a doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata had set up the National Task Force to ensure the safety of medical professionals. Supreme Court had directed the task force to submit its interim report within three weeks and the final report within two months.
