The Karnataka government has decided to set up a task force to ensure the safety of doctors in the wake of the rape and murder of a junior doctor in Calcutta’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao who met representatives of several organisations of medical professionals said a decision was taken to amend laws and intensify security measures for medical professionals in the state.

“During our comprehensive discussion, we delved into leveraging technological solutions, strengthening existing laws and implementing stringent precautions to ensure a safe working environment,” the health minister was quoted as saying in an official statement.

The minister said the government was planning to amend the laws to ensure jail sentences of between three and seven years for attacks on doctors and ₹25,000 to ₹2 lakh in penalties.

Cases of attacks on medical professionals are booked under the Karnataka Prohibition of Violence Against Medicare Service Personnel and Damage to Property in Medicare Service Institutions Act, 2009.

The government would ensure that insulting doctors and other medical professionals on social media would also be made an offence in the state. “Our government is committed to preventing atrocities against doctors,” the health minister said.

“In light of the appalling incident in Calcutta, we discussed ways to enhance the safety and security of our women healthcare workforce, who make up a significant majority of over 50 per cent in Karnataka,” said Rao.

The meeting also considered technological solutions such as wristbands with SOS buttons for all medical professionals to alert the security staff in times of distress, including physical attacks.

The proposed task force would comprise senior officials from the state health department and representatives of the various organisations of healthcare professionals.

The doctors who attended the meeting suggested raising public awareness against assaulting medical professionals as a primary deterrent.

They sought the government’s help in installing more security cameras in all hospitals, providing wristbands with panic buttons, periodic inspections in coordination with the police department and fast-tracking cases.

“All future actions will be based on the recommendations of this task force that will be formed soon,” said Rao.

Medical professionals in Karnataka have not been immune to physical attacks and verbal abuse by patients and their relatives.