While NTF's formation is a necessary development, there is concern over the absence of representation of youngsters within this crucial body.
Published Aug 22, 2024 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 22, 2024 | 7:00 AM
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Following the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, the Supreme Court on Tuesday, 20 August, established a National Task Force (NTF) to provide recommendations on the protocols to be followed across India to ensure the safety of doctors in medical colleges and hospitals.
The NTF has been tasked with formulating effective recommendations to address concerns related to the safety, working conditions, and well-being of medical professionals, as well as other related issues.
The Supreme Court has emphasised that medical professionals include not just doctors, but also nurses, paramedic staff, resident doctors, and interns.
However, various sections of the medical community are disappointed with the way the task force was selected by the Supreme Court. The task force consists only of professionals from top private and public institutions who are doctors but are not part of any organisations.
In response, the Federation of All India Medical Association has petitioned the Supreme Court, arguing that more resident doctors should be consulted by the National Task Force, as they experience real-time problems on a routine basis and may be in a position to offer practical solutions.
RG Kar Case: Federation of All India Medical Associations has moved #SupremeCourt stating that more resident doctors should be consulted by the National Task Force since they experience real time problems on a routine basis and may be in a position to offer a real time solutions… pic.twitter.com/2wOUfp4Seu
— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) August 21, 2024
However, it should be mentioned that during the hearing on Tuesday, 20 August, the advocate for the Indian Medical Association also raised concerns about the composition of the task force. In response, the Chief Justice of India stated that the ex-officio member from the Ministry of Health will consult with all relevant representatives and submit a report to the task force.
While the formation of the NTF is a positive and necessary development, there is concern over the absence of representation of youngsters within this essential body. “Young medical professionals, including interns, residents, and junior doctors, are disproportionately affected by systemic challenges within the healthcare sector. They frequently face the most demanding working conditions and are often the most vulnerable to violence and exploitation,” said Dr. Lakshya Mittal, President of the United Doctors Front Association, in a statement to South First.
He emphasised that the inclusion of youth representatives in the NTF would enhance the task force’s effectiveness by ensuring that the perspectives and experiences of those on the frontlines are fully considered. “It is crucial that the voices of young professionals are heard and that they have a seat at the table where decisions impacting their daily lives and professional safety are being made,” he added.
Dr. SP Kalantri, a public health professional, also expressed concerns on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “The Supreme Court’s new task force on health worker safety is a step forward. But why is it dominated by corporate hospital doctors and elite institutes? Where are the nurses, residents, and paramedics who face the real risks? Why are their voices missing?”
The Supreme Court’s new task force on health worker safety is a step forward.
But why is it dominated by corporate hospital doctors & elite institutes?
Where are the nurses, residents, and paramedics who face the real risks?
Why are their voices missing? #HealthWorkerSafety— SP Kalantri (@spkalantri) August 21, 2024
The top court has set up a National Task Force dominated by top doctors from Institutes of National Importance and high-end hospitals, where incidents of violence are rare.
“Representatives from resident doctors, nurses, and paramedics would have brought attention to the real problems of security, long working hours, and the lack of oversight, especially in crowded, poorly lit government hospitals where no patient can be refused, and anyone can enter at will,” one critic noted.
While top doctors are highly respected for their medical knowledge and experience, their expertise is primarily in their medical specialties, not in general administration.
The Apex court has set up a National Task Force dominated by top doctors from Institutes of National Importance and high – end hospitals, where incidents of violence occur rarely. Representatives from Residents, nurses and paramedics would have helped focus on the real problems…
— Shailaja Chandra (@over2shailaja) August 21, 2024
ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) and ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife) workers play crucial roles in India’s healthcare system, yet they are not classified as medical professionals in the traditional sense.
ASHA workers are community health volunteers trained to serve as a bridge between the community and the public health system. Their responsibilities include promoting maternal and child health, conducting disease surveillance, and providing health education. While they play a vital role in healthcare delivery, they are primarily seen as facilitators rather than medical professionals.
The government recognises ASHA workers as “honourary volunteers” rather than formal employees. They do not receive a regular salary but are compensated through incentives for specific tasks and participation in training programs.
On the other hand, ANMs are recognised as multipurpose health workers with a broader range of responsibilities, including assisting in outpatient services, training ASHA workers, and providing basic healthcare services. ANMs typically have formal training in nursing and midwifery, enabling them to perform more clinical tasks compared to ASHA workers. Unlike ASHA workers, ANMs are considered healthcare professionals and are employed by the government.
Despite their critical roles, both ASHA and ANM workers are not included in the Supreme Court’s list of medical professionals. This omission has sparked concerns about their representation in the newly formed National Task Force.
“Dear Supreme Court, the healthcare workforce is inclusive of but not limited to only doctors. The health workforce includes nurses, paramedics, technicians, physiotherapists, nutritionists, ASHA workers, housekeeping staff, GDAs, and guards—all of whom have females in these roles,” wrote an X user. She added that these workers are equally important in healthcare delivery and equally vulnerable. “Apart from workers, there are women patients who are also vulnerable. So how can steps for mitigation be left to the involvement of only doctors? That too men who hardly understand the issues,” she questioned.
They are equally important in healthcare delivery as well as equally vulnerable. Apart from workers there are women patients again vulnerable.
So how can steps for mitigation be left to the involvement of only doctors?!!
That too men who hardly understand the issues.
— M (@pseudo_sapiens) August 21, 2024
Psychiatrist and researcher Soumitra Pathare highlighted the significant yet often overlooked role of women in healthcare, stating that there are 3.3 million nurses and 1 million ASHAs, almost exclusively women. “They are the most forgotten among all healthcare professionals, despite being the ‘last mile’ in healthcare delivery. Their safety and security have been ignored for far too long,” he said on X.
There are 3.3 million nurses, & 1 million ASHAs, almost exclusively women. They are the most forgotten amongst all healthcare professionals, although they are the ‘last mile’ for healthcare delivery.
Their safety & security has been ignored forever.
— Soumitra 🌻 সৌমিত্র சௌமித்ரா سومترہ (@netshrink) August 21, 2024
(Edited by Neena)
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