Safety Measures for Female Night Shift Workers Implemented at RG Kar Medical College After Rape-Murder Incident

The rape-murder of a trainee doctor has prompted national outrage in India. In response, the government led by Mamata Banerjee has announced five measures to ensure safe working conditions for women in government hospitals, medical colleges, hostels, and other workplaces where women are required to work during the night.

These measures include the deployment of women volunteers known as ‘Raattirer Shathi’ for nighttime duty, the identification and creation of safe zones for women with full CCTV coverage, the development of a special mobile app with alarm devices for working women, and the extensive utilization of helpline numbers 100/112 during panic and emergency situations. Additionally, efforts will be made to spare women from night duty wherever possible.

The Bengal government has committed to introspection, accountability, and action following the tragic incident at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. In response to the incident, the Indian Medical Association has initiated a 24-hour nationwide withdrawal of non-emergency services and put forward five demands, including the enactment of a central law to protect healthcare personnel and the declaration of hospitals as safe zones with mandatory security entitlements.

The IMA has emphasized the need for a thorough overhaul of the working and living conditions of resident doctors, citing the extended shift hours and lack of safe spaces and adequate restrooms as contributing factors to the tragic event. The brutal rape and murder of the doctor has brought attention to the lack of safe spaces for women and the hooliganism unleashed due to the absence of organized security protocols in hospitals.

In the aftermath of the crime, the hospital was vandalized by a large crowd, leading to national shock and condemnation. An individual has been arrested in connection with the crime and is being questioned by the CBI, which has taken over the case from the Kolkata Police after an order by the Calcutta High Court.

Overall, the government and medical authorities are working to address the systemic issues that have contributed to this tragic event.