India’s Supreme Court has ordered the establishment of a national task force to address safety concerns for doctors following the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor in Kolkata.
The court's directive, issued on Tuesday, comes in response to widespread protests by medical professionals across the country, who are demanding improved workplace safety and a thorough investigation into the crime.
The task force will consist of medical experts tasked with making recommendations to enhance safety protocols and protect healthcare workers. In addition, the Supreme Court has instructed federal police to provide a status report on their investigation into the August 9 murder of the trainee doctor at a state-run hospital in Kolkata by Thursday.
The case has ignited significant unrest within the medical community, leading doctors nationwide to protest and refuse to treat non-emergency patients. The arrest of a police volunteer, who has been charged with the crime, has further fueled concerns about the safety of women and healthcare workers in India.
Activists have highlighted the incident as a stark reminder of the persistent issue of sexual violence in India, despite the implementation of stricter laws following the 2012 gang-rape and murder of a 23-year-old student in New Delhi. The ongoing protests underscore the urgent need for systemic changes to protect women and ensure justice.
The court's directive, issued on Tuesday, comes in response to widespread protests by medical professionals across the country, who are demanding improved workplace safety and a thorough investigation into the crime.
The task force will consist of medical experts tasked with making recommendations to enhance safety protocols and protect healthcare workers. In addition, the Supreme Court has instructed federal police to provide a status report on their investigation into the August 9 murder of the trainee doctor at a state-run hospital in Kolkata by Thursday.
The case has ignited significant unrest within the medical community, leading doctors nationwide to protest and refuse to treat non-emergency patients. The arrest of a police volunteer, who has been charged with the crime, has further fueled concerns about the safety of women and healthcare workers in India.
Activists have highlighted the incident as a stark reminder of the persistent issue of sexual violence in India, despite the implementation of stricter laws following the 2012 gang-rape and murder of a 23-year-old student in New Delhi. The ongoing protests underscore the urgent need for systemic changes to protect women and ensure justice.
