New Delhi: The National Task Force on hospital safety has faced criticism for establishing sub-groups that exclude nurses and patients. Despite requests for their inclusion in safety discussions, the task force has formed four sub-groups composed exclusively of doctors and bureaucrats. As per a report by TOI, the original 14-member task force included 11 senior doctors and three bureaucrats, while the new sub-groups have added eight more doctors from central government-funded hospitals in Delhi and the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The Trained Nurses Association of India (TNAI), a major nursing union, has filed an intervention petition with the Supreme Court to secure representation in the task force. Patients have also submitted their own intervention application. Dr. Roy K George, president of TNAI, expressed his frustration, stating, “Since the task force and the health ministry have ignored our representation to be included, we are forced to approach the court.” He criticised the exclusion of nurses, noting that they constitute the largest segment of the hospital workforce and face significant challenges, including harassment. Dr. George suggested that the lack of representation for nurses might be due to the potential exposure of sensitive issues like sexual harassment.
On Thursday, the health ministry announced the creation of four sub-groups to address areas recommended by the Supreme Court. These areas include improving medical institution infrastructure, enhancing security systems, revising working conditions for healthcare professionals, and strengthening the legal framework across states. The ministry stated they would consult stakeholders who have submitted feedback through their portal and others deemed relevant.
Malini Aisola from the Campaign for Dignified and Affordable Healthcare criticised the sub-groups’ terms of reference (TOR), arguing that they focus too narrowly on security and legal issues. She pointed out that the task force’s composition is flawed, lacking representation from patients and overlooking factors that contribute to violence in hospitals. Aisola emphasised that patients are often victims of violence and that the diverse environments in government and private hospitals need to be considered. According to Aisola, the current approach neglects the broader responsibilities of healthcare institutions towards patients and their families, who are in vulnerable situations.
Inputs from TOI
