Karnataka govt to enhance safety for women doctors: Minister Sharan Prakash Patil

BENGALURU: In response to growing concerns over the safety of women doctors, Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development Dr Sharan Prakash Patil convened a crucial meeting with officials and key stakeholders at Bangalore Medical College & Research Institute (BMC&RI) on Tuesday. The discussions focused on bolstering security across medical institutions, following national outrage over the recent rape and murder of a woman doctor in Kolkata.

Patil emphasised the government’s commitment to safeguarding medical professionals, particularly women, by enhancing existing security measures. “We are fully committed to ensuring the safety of women doctors. Based on the feedback from today’s meeting, we will implement additional security measures, including more streetlights, CCTV cameras, and trained security personnel at all medical colleges, super-specialty hospitals, and hostels. We are also prioritizing safety in women’s restrooms,” the ministers told reporters after the meeting.

He further assured that these measures will be in line with guidelines set by the Central Government and the Supreme Court. Additionally, Patil highlighted the importance of the internal complaints committees established under the PoSH Act (Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act), stressing that these bodies will rigorously address any grievances brought forward by women in the medical field.

Patil issued a stern warning against perpetrators of violence and sexual assault, stating that the government will take stringent action against such offenses. “We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to protect our medical professionals, particularly women,” he affirmed.

The meeting was attended by director of Medical education Dr Sujatha Rathod, dean & Director of BMC&RI Dr Ramesh Krishna, Principal of BMC&RI Dr Asima Banh and others from the Medical Education Department, directors of medical institutions and super-specialty hospitals, as well as representatives of senior resident doctors, undergraduate and postgraduate students, paramedical staff, and other stakeholders.