
Centre Issues Safety Guidelines for Medics
Centre, safety measures, healthcare professionals, Supreme Court, medical security, hospital safety, NTF protocol, doctor safety, West Bengal incident, security enhancements
The Centre has directed states to enhance the safety of medical professionals in response to a Supreme Court ruling following the rape-murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata. Measures include night patrolling, regulated access, and formation of security committees.
Centre Suggests Measures to States on Safety of Medics
New Delhi: In response to the tragic rape-murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata, the Centre has issued detailed guidelines to states to enhance the safety and security of healthcare professionals. This action follows strong directives from the Supreme Court aimed at addressing the increasing concerns over the safety of medical staff in hospitals.
Immediate Actions Following Supreme Court Orders
On August 23, Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra issued a directive to chief secretaries and directors general of police, emphasizing the urgent need to implement measures to safeguard doctors and other healthcare workers. This directive was prompted by nationwide protests from resident doctors advocating for a central law to secure their safety at workplaces and justice for their colleague.
The incident at the R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal has sparked widespread outrage. The Supreme Court, responding to this grievous event, has taken suo-motu cognizance and issued orders on August 20 and 22. The Court mandated that the Secretary in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare collaborate with state authorities to implement immediate safety measures.

Supreme Court’s Directives and National Task Force
In its August 22 order, the Supreme Court instructed state governments and Union Territories (UTs) to adopt basic safety requirements to address doctors’ concerns pending the formulation of a detailed protocol by the National Task Force (NTF). The NTF, appointed by the Supreme Court, is responsible for developing a comprehensive protocol to ensure the protection of healthcare professionals.
Key Measures for Enhancing Hospital Security
In his letter, Chandra outlined several immediate measures that hospitals should adopt to improve security:
- Display of Legal Protections: Hospitals are required to prominently display relevant state laws and sections of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita related to healthcare worker protection, including punitive and penalty details, in both local languages and English. This measure aims to increase awareness among staff and visitors about the legal framework supporting their safety.
- Formation of Security and Violence Prevention Committees: Hospitals should establish security and violence prevention committees, consisting of senior doctors and administrative officers. These committees will strategize and implement security measures, including regulating access to key hospital areas and enforcing a strict visitor pass policy for patients’ relatives or attendants.
- Safe Movement of Healthcare Workers: To ensure the safety of resident doctors and nurses during night shifts, hospitals are advised to ensure proper lighting throughout the premises and implement routine security patrolling at night. Additionally, a 24/7 manned security control room should be established, and close coordination with the nearest police station is essential for prompt assistance.
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Centre Issues Safety Guidelines for Medics Review of Surveillance Systems: The letter also calls for a review of existing CCTV camera systems and the establishment of internal committees to address sexual harassment. This measure aims to enhance surveillance and provide support mechanisms for staff facing harassment.
Implementation and Future Meetings
The Union Health Ministry plans to hold a meeting with chief secretaries and directors general of police to discuss and ensure the preparedness for implementing these safety measures. This collaborative effort is intended to address the immediate concerns of healthcare professionals and establish a foundation for more comprehensive safety protocols.

The Centre’s directive underscores the critical need for improved security measures in medical institutions to protect healthcare professionals from violence and harassment. By implementing these guidelines, the government aims to create a safer and more supportive environment for those on the frontlines of providing care and saving lives.
The tragic incident in Kolkata has highlighted the urgent need for systemic changes to protect medical staff. The Centre’s response represents a significant step toward addressing these critical issues. As states and hospitals begin to adopt these measures, there is hope that such incidents will become increasingly rare, and the safety of healthcare professionals will be significantly enhanced.
The information provided in this article is based on current guidelines and directives issued by the Union Health Ministry and the Supreme Court. For the most accurate and updated details, please refer to official communications and announcements from relevant authorities.