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Emphasising the importance of doctors' safety as a matter of national interest, the Supreme Court on August 20 established a 10-member National Task Force (NTF) to develop a protocol for their protection. This move came in response to the recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor in West Bengal, highlighting the urgent need for measures to ensure the security and well-being of medical professionals across the country. Now the National Task Force will hold its first meeting on Tuesday, August 27. The task force includes prominent figures such as the former Cabinet Secretary and several leading doctors. According to the details, medical organisations have been invited to participate and share their opinions, as the NTF aims to create a platform for discussing crucial issues related to the safety and security of medical professionals. The apex court has asked the task force to submit its interim report within three weeks and the final report within two months. A bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud had said that a lack of institutional safety norms at medical establishments against both violence and sexual violence against medical professionals is a matter of serious concern. It said there are legislations to protect medical professionals but they do not address the systemic issues. The bench said the cabinet secretary and the home secretary to the Union government, secretary, Ministry of Health, chairperson, National Medical Commission and president, National Board of Examinations shall be the ex-officio members of the task force. The apex court asked the NTF to formulate an action plan under two sub-heads --Preventing violence, including gender-based violence against medical professionals; and providing an enforceable national protocol for dignified and safe working conditions for interns, residents, senior residents, doctors, nurses and all medical professionals. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will provide all logistical support including making arrangements for travel, stay and secretarial assistance and bear the expenses of the members of the NTF. The data as submitted shall be tabulated and filed with an affidavit by the Union Government within one month of this order. (With PTI inputs) ALSO READ: 'Sexual offenders will be hanged to death': Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Kolkata rape-murder case None
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