The rape and murder of a trained doctor at a Kolkata hospital this month sparked public outrage and horror at the authorities’ inability to curb chronic violence against women and girls in India. It also brought reminders of long-standing concerns about the safety of health professionals in the country.
In an exclusive interview with News18 on Saturday, Karnataka health and family welfare minister Dinesh Gundu Rao addressed these concerns and shared details of the government’s initiatives to allay these fears while also responding to speculation that chief minister Siddaramaiah may resign in the near future. alleged land division fraud. Edited quote:
In light of the horrific crime in Kolkata, Karnataka has set up a special task force. What has been the recommendation?
The incident has shocked the entire country, especially the medical fraternity. The safety of doctors, especially female medical professionals, has become a matter of great concern and importance. The incident was shocking and shocking, making us re-evaluate everything we do.
We have consulted various stakeholders and created task forces and committees to report within a month to improve infrastructure and use technology to ensure safety and security. We are looking for programs that can be implemented, with the most important effort being to provide a safe environment for medical professionals. We are also considering developing apps, panic buttons, and providing the right infrastructure, such as safe rest rooms for medical professionals. They need to feel that their safety is protected. We have also changed legislation to improve physician safety.
Are there any other amendments to the law in view of the panel report?
No, but we will seriously look at licensing and setting custom parameters. Those seeking licensure or renewal must specify what they are doing to ensure the safety of female medical professionals. This can be part of the mandate and will be included in the report.
Is there a safe zone of rest for medical professionals?
Certain steps will be required before issuing permits and licenses. Duty rooms, CCTV, grievance redressal system, and stricter law enforcement will be required. When things like this happen, we often give advice, but the real challenge is implementing it and implementing it effectively.
The issue in Kolkata at RG Kar Hospital has now turned into a full blown political battle. Even Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticized West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, and the issue has turned into a Congress vs TMC conflict. What are your thoughts on this?
Unfortunately, in India, everything is a politician, but this kind of issue should be handled with great sensitivity, and we should not allow it to become another political battle. I believe West Bengal should be more sensitive to the situation. The BJP also politicized this as a way to target the Mamata Banerjee government. In BJP-ruled states, the same thing is happening, but it is not being told. Every government should act with sensitivity.
Did West Bengal mismanage the issue?
When the problem first arose, he reacted as if he was under attack, which was not an appropriate reaction. They should be considerate and empathetic, ensuring that law and order is maintained. We need to get rid of the patriarchal mindset seen in states like UP and Bihar, where political leaders act without sensitivity. Mamata may have tried to do the right thing, but the way she met it was different. We need to change society’s attitude, especially regarding the abuse of women and children. The disease in this society must be eradicated.
In Karnataka, will the government last? Will Siddaramaiah continue as chief minister?
There is no change in the chief minister. This is just a conspiracy, and the chief minister has done nothing wrong. We have stated this many times. The truth is that our party is stronger than ever. We know this is a conspiracy to harass our chief minister and government, especially the pro-poor programs that have been delivered to the people. The BJP is trying to create a crisis, but we have delivered, and they want to destroy this progress. In fact, Congress is more united than ever, and we are fighting this together.
Is the chief minister under pressure, or is he a strong leader?
He didn’t force it. He did nothing, and instead became more assertive. Incidents like this motivate them to show their capabilities, which will ultimately benefit the country and the Congress. This will be a better government. Whatever BJP tries will ultimately fail. The MLA is facing serious charges. They have been investigated and charges have been filed. We are seeking sanction from the governor to prosecute them. This would eventually lead to its collapse, as the governor could not be elected. If action is taken against Siddaramaiah, he should do the same with HD Kumaraswamy and other BJP leaders if required. He should listen to the cabinet recommendations.
Will this lead to a retreat (in the BJP)?
I believe it should lead to the resignation of Kumaraswamy. He is the minister of mines, and if the governor gives the sanction, he will be prosecuted for a huge corruption scandal, which has been investigated and prosecuted. Football is now in court, and there is a lot of evidence for him.
Will there be a change in leadership?
There is no such possibility. Nothing is wrong. You can interpret it in different ways, but CM Siddaramaiah was not in power at that time. He said that when he was in power, such rations would not have been implemented, and he did not abuse his position. This shows high moral conduct. What more can you expect from a political leader? BJP may say anything, but it shows moral high ground.