India’s Supreme Court has ordered the formation of a national task force to improve safety for healthcare workers, following the “horrific” rape and murder of a doctor that triggered widespread protests and strikes.
The 31-year-old doctor was found dead on August 9 at a state-run hospital in Kolkata, sparking national outrage over the ongoing violence against women.
In reaction, doctors’ associations across several cities have staged strikes and protests, disrupting non-essential services.
On Tuesday, demonstrators in Kolkata rallied for “justice” as the Supreme Court issued directives from New Delhi.
“The brutality of the sexual assault and the nature of the crime have shocked the conscience of the nation,” the three-judge bench said, describing the incident as “horrific.”
Chief Justice D. Y. Chandrachud announced the establishment of a “national task force” of leading doctors tasked with developing a plan to prevent violence in healthcare settings and creating an “enforceable national protocol” for ensuring safe working conditions.
The court expressed “serious concern” over the lack of safety measures and protective norms for medical professionals, noting that insufficient security is prevalent in healthcare facilities.
The doctor’s body was discovered in a seminar hall of the teaching hospital, suggesting she was resting during a long shift.
An autopsy confirmed sexual assault, and her parents have petitioned the Kolkata High Court, suspecting gang rape.
Protests, primarily led by healthcare workers but also supported by many citizens, continue as demands for enhanced safety measures grow.
The court underscored that as more women enter advanced fields, the nation must ensure their work environments are safe and dignified, stating, “The nation cannot await a rape or murder for real changes on the ground.”
