In today’s complex socio-economic and political setting, the people expect justice to be done and seen as done. This is undoubtedly an ideal proposition. However, one man’s justice can be another man’s nightmare amidst the aberrations and confusing rules and regulations. This is mainly because it is not a straight-line scandal. There are wheels within wheels, and more often than not, it becomes difficult to know which wheel has rotated at whose behest and for whose benefits. The wheel continues to rotate, though for different purposes and for various reasons and designs. There are numerous players, each pursuing their own agenda or interest, either to help the investigation process or to confuse the real issues.

Even though we try our best to look at the matter with an open mind, without malice or prejudice, the investigation pattern has several facets that do not generate confidence about how issues have been handled. Still, we must find a way to recognize the principles of fair play and fairness. In this context, both administrative and judicial systems have to be so. Somewhere down the line, a Lakshman Rekha has to be drawn to differentiate between right and wrong. It is foolhardy to hide the truth. 

Women have to come forward to report sexual misconduct to the highest authorities. The central government has also asked the states to take adequate and effective measures to enhance security at hospitals and other public places for women’s safety. This has to be a top priority of the center and state governments. 

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing the issue of rape, swiftly implementing new anti-rape measures. Notably, the West Bengal Assembly recently passed a stringent anti-rape law with three key provisions. 

First, the law increases the severity of punishments, including the death penalty, if the assault leads to the victim’s death or leaves her in a “vegetative state.”

Second, the law mandates that investigations be completed within 21 days of the initial report.

Third, it restricts the reporting of court proceedings in rape cases, primarily to prevent situations that could cause embarrassment to the government.

An investigation by the National Commission for Women revealed severe lapses in safety and security at R.G. Kar Hospital in Kolkata, highlighting the ongoing issue of workplace sexual harassment and the challenges women face when reporting such incidents despite existing protective mechanisms.

For instance, two years ago, a nurse at Holy Family Hospital in Delhi reported being sexually molested by an operation theatre technician during surgery. However, even with an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in place, many women are still reluctant to file written complaints. The hospital acted on her verbal complaint, but without a formal written report, the dismissal letter did not state the reason for the technician’s termination.

Holy Family Hospital has implemented several measures to create a safer workplace, such as gender-specific resting and changing rooms, extensive CCTV coverage, regular security checks, and clear procedures for reporting harassment. The hospital also promotes awareness of the ICC through meetings, informational materials, and visible notices while encouraging women in leadership roles to build a supportive environment.

Dr. Meet Ghonia, National Secretary of the Federation of Resident Doctors Association, stated that ICCs are often just a formality in both government and private hospitals. He explained that while senior doctors might be aware of these committees, women in nursing and housekeeping roles usually are not due to a lack of proper orientation programs. This lack of genuine implementation exposes many women workers to heightened risks of harassment and abuse.

Women, including those in care institutions, make up over 70% of the global health workforce, positioning them at the forefront of health emergency responses. This crucial role places a double burden on them, with extended shifts at work compounded by additional care responsibilities at home. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and intensified existing gender inequalities in the care sector, showing that women, who already carry a disproportionate share of unpaid care work compared to men, now face even greater demands due to the widespread closure of schools and care facilities.

Hospitals can ensure a safer environment for all women employees by adopting comprehensive safety measures and cultivating a culture of openness and support. Ensuring women’s safety in public hospitals involves implementing policies and creating a culture where women feel empowered to report incidents without fear of retaliation. 

Healthcare facilities must move beyond token gestures and focus on concrete measures like gender-specific facilities, effective surveillance, regular staff training, and awareness programs. By establishing clear and transparent reporting mechanisms and promoting women into leadership roles, healthcare institutions can create a safer and more inclusive environment where every employee feels protected and valued. 

Progress on this front has been sluggish. Quick, decisive measures are required to make hospitals secure for all staff and to challenge societal norms that perpetuate violence. Safeguarding women healthcare workers is vital for their health and wellbeing and delivering quality patient care. The recent tragedy in Kolkata highlights the urgent need for genuine safety improvements in hospitals and the preservation of the integrity of the healthcare system. Both central and state governments and hospital administrations must treat this as an urgent priority, making women’s safety in public spaces a fundamental right, not a privilege.

• By Hari Jaisingh