Days after the tragic sexual assault and murder of a post-graduate student at a medical college in West Bengal triggering nationwide agitation, Union Health Minister and BJP national president JP Nadda on Tuesday condemned the incident and hoped that the CBI probe will bring out the truth in the case.
However, Nadda did not commit to implementing new laws related to the safety of doctors, a key demand of the medical community which under the banner of the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) has been on strike, disrupting medical services in the hospitals.
He, however, assured that the Central Government would take necessary actions against those involved in the incident and promised to address the broader concerns raised by doctors.
Nadda said the incident that took place with the young woman, a PG student in West Bengal, is really heart-wrenching and has shaken the world and the country.
“I condemn it and feel sorry that such an inhumane incident has happened. The way the incident took place and the way the Government has tried to hush it up, no amount of condemnation will be enough. Bengal has become a State where there is no such thing as law and order. Lawlessness is at its peak and the sad thing is that atrocities on women are increasing day by day and all this happening despite the State having a woman Chief Minister. This is even more worrying.
“I would also like to say the way the West Bengal Government has tried to hush up and suppress this case, is condemnable in the strongest terms. I welcome the decision of the High Court for the CBI enquiry. The CBI enquiry will bring out the truth.”
Regarding his meeting with the delegations of Doctors’ Association in the last two days, he said he has assured them that the Central Government will take action against anyone connected with this incident.
“I will definitely find a remedy for this and I am sure that whatever steps are necessary for this, the Government and the Ministry will take them.”
Meanwhile, the National Medical Commission (NMC), as directed by the Health Minister, issued advisory to all the medical colleges to ensure a safe working environment for doctors across the country.
The advisory said, “Incidents of violence against doctors in medical colleges have been reported in recent past. All medical colleges are requested to develop a policy for creation of a safe work environment within the college and hospital campus for doctors.
“The policy should ensure adequate safety measures at OPD, wards, and quarters. Corridors and campus are well lit in the evening for staff to walk safely from one place to another and all sensitive areas are covered by CCTV for monitoring.”
Furthermore, the advisory stressed the importance of implementing sufficient security steps, including the deployment of adequate security staff (both male and female) in various areas of the medical college and hospital campus, such as the OPD, wards, casualty, labour rooms, hostels, residential quarters, and other open spaces.
The advisory also emphasised the importance of immediate action by college management in cases of violence against medical students and required that an FIR be lodged with the police. It stipulated that a detailed report on the actions taken must be submitted to the National Medical Commission (NMC) within 48 hours of the incident.
Earlier, Nadda met with representatives from the Indian Medical Association (IMA), promising to address their demands for a swift investigation and improved safety measures for doctors in medical institutions.
