Centre forms 4 sub-groups to advise NTF on safety of medics

The health ministry on Thursday constituted four theme-based sub-groups on the protection of healthcare workers, which will submit their recommendations to the ministry in three weeks.

The recommendations of the sub-groups will be placed before the National Task Force (NTF), constituted by the Supreme Court for finalisation of guidelines on the protection of healthcare workers.

Strengthening Infrastructure of Medical Institutions, Strengthening Security Systems in Medical Institutions, Revamping Working Conditions of Health Care Professionals and Strengthening of Legal Framework across all States are the four theme-based sub-groups.

“The sub-groups may hold meetings with stakeholders who have submitted their views on the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) portal and such other stakeholders as they deem fit to ascertain their views first-hand. Sub-groups may finalise their recommendations based on such interactions as well as inputs received from state governments and medical institutions. The sub-groups may give their recommendations along with an action plan to the MoHFW (Dr Pulkesh Kumar, Deputy Secretary) in three weeks, which would then be placed before the NTF for finalisation within the timelines set by the Supreme Court,” an office memorandum by the health ministry said.

After the recommendations of the sub-groups, the NTF will prepare an action plan that has been categorised under two heads —Prevention of violence against medical professionals and providing safe working conditions; and Providing an enforceable national protocol for dignified and safe working conditions for interns, residents, senior residents, doctors, nurses and all medical professionals.

The NTF will frame guidelines on ensuring due security in medical establishments, infrastructural development, prevention of sexual violence against medical professionals, regulation of duty hours of doctors and institutionalisation of distress call systems.