Goa creates first-ever task force for healthcare worker safety

In a pioneering move, Goa has become the first state to announce the formation of a working committee focused on the safety of healthcare workers, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane revealed on Monday.

The formation of the committee comes in the wake of the tragic incident of August 9, involving the rape and murder of a female medical intern in Kolkata. The task force will be headed by the Dean of Goa Medical College, Dr SM Bandekar, and will comprise heads of departments of forensic medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, pathology, respiratory medicine, emergency and trauma and psychiatry, along with the Dean of Studies, the hospital superintendent and other key representatives.

In addition, the state government will expeditiously implement the demands of the Goa Association of Resident Doctors (GARD). These include enhanced surveillance, better lighting in poorly lit areas and increased active security presence. The task force will follow a strict timeline to ensure that all measures and demands are addressed effectively. Rane stressed the state’s commitment to protecting the medical community and maintaining high security standards at the GMC.

(With contributions from agencies.)