NTF On Doctors' Safety Has Not Made Substantial Progress : Supreme Court Sets 3-Week Deadline

The Supreme Court on Tuesday (October 15) expressed dissatisfaction with the National Task Force (NTF) - which was constituted by the Court to make recommendations on enhancing the security for medical professionals across the country- has not made substantial progress.

The Court expressed dismay that the NTF, which was constituted by the order passed on August 20, has not held any meeting after September 9.

"Why no meeting after September 9?", Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud asked Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta. The Court directed that the NTF should hold regular meetings and complete its task within a period of three weeks.

The bench comprising CJI DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra was hearing the suo motu case taken over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College Hospital on August 9. In the suo motu case, the Court had decided to address the issue of lack of adequate security measures for medical professionals and formed the NTF to make appropriate recommendations to improve the situation.

SG informed the Court that an affidavit has been filed detailing the steps taken by the NTF so far. At the first meeting of the NTF held on August 27, four sub-groups were constituted to engage with stakeholders and to prepare their recommendations on strengthening the security situation at medical institutions and revamping the work conditions of medical professionals. A meeting of the Convenors and Secretaries of the sub-groups was held on September 9. The Court was also told that a weblink has been created on the website of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for seeking inputs from various stakeholders. About 17,000 inputs and suggestions have been received from about 37,000 associations and 15,000 individuals. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has also shared a questionnaire to all States/UTs, Central/State hospitals and 7688 hospitals/medical establishments have submitted responses, which are being evaluated by the sub-groups.

The Court in its order observed :

"Presently, it appears that neither the National Task Force nor the sub-groups have made any substantial progress pursuant to the remit set in the orders of this Court. The SG has accepted that no meeting appears to have been held since the first week of September 2024. We are of the view that the Union Government must take proactive efforts to ensure that the task of the Task Force is completed within a reasonable period in the future. Accordingly, the meetings of the NTF shall be held at periodic intervals. All subgroups must hold regular meetings so that by the next date this court is apprised of the tentative recommendations of the NTF including its sub-groups. This exercise should be completed within a period of three weeks."

The Court constituted a 9-member NTF to be headed by Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin AVSM, VSM, Director General Medical Services (Navy). The following officers were ex-officio members of the NTF :(a) The Cabinent Secretary to the Govt of India, (b)Home Secretary to the Govt of India, (c) Secy of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, (d) Chairperson of the National Medical Commission and (e) the President of the National Board of Examination.

The NTF was asked to make recommendations pertaining to safety, working conditions and well-being of the medical professionals.

Also from today's hearing - Chargesheet Filed Against One Accused In RG Kar Rape-Murder Case, CBI Tells Supreme Court

Live updates from today's hearing can be read here.