Recognizing the increased risk of violence against doctors and health professionals due to challenging working conditions, the Supreme Court of India has established a 10-member task force to formulate a national protocol for their safety and well-being. This decision was taken after the rape and murder of a female medical professional in Kolkata. The task force is expected to submit an interim report within three weeks and a final report within two months. The Supreme Court has emphasized that protecting women doctors is a national priority and that the principle of equality demands swift action.

The Supreme Court further noted that existing laws protecting medical professionals fail to address underlying systemic issues. The task force will also include the Cabinet Secretary and Home Secretary as ex-officio members. Additionally, the court directed the CBI to file a status report on…