West Bengal Launches ‘Rattirer Shaathi- Helpers of Night’ Initiative to Safeguard Women Medical Professionals

Amid nationwide outrage following the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, the West Bengal government introduced a flagship program on Saturday called ‘Rattirer Shaathi- Helpers of Night.’ The initiative aims to ensure safe working conditions for women medical professionals, particularly those on night shifts, across government hospitals, medical colleges, and hostels in the state.

The safety measures implemented under the ‘Rattirer Shaathi’ initiative include:

1. Designated Restrooms for Women: Women medical professionals will have access to separate restrooms with toilets, ensuring their comfort and privacy.
2. Night Volunteers: ‘Rattirer Shaathi’ volunteers will be on duty during the night to assist and support women workers.
3. Safe Zones with CCTV Coverage: Specific safe zones will be identified and equipped with full CCTV coverage, monitored round-the-clock to prevent untoward incidents.
4. Mobile Safety App: A mobile phone application with an alarm system connected to local police stations and control rooms will be developed and made mandatory for all women workers.
5. Security Checks and Breathalyzer Tests: Routine security checks and breathalyzer tests will be conducted at hospitals, medical colleges, and super-specialty hospitals.
6. Sexual Harassment Committees: Organizations will be urged to establish ‘Visakha Committees’ to address cases of sexual harassment in the workplace.
7. Work Schedule Adjustments: Work schedules will be structured so that women can work in pairs or teams during night hours, ensuring they are aware of each other’s movements.
8. Enhanced Security Personnel: Both male and female security guards will be deployed at the hospitals for comprehensive security.
9. Mandatory ID Cards: Staff at hospitals and medical colleges will be required to carry their identity cards at all times.
10. Limited Night Shifts: Efforts will be made to avoid assigning night duty to women medical professionals, with work shifts restricted to a maximum of 12 hours.

Private institutions will also be encouraged to adopt the ‘Rattirer Shaathi’ protocols to extend these safety measures beyond government facilities.

Earlier in the day, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held an urgent meeting with senior government officials to finalize the program. The move comes as a damage control measure following the backlash over the RG Kar incident, where the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) faced widespread criticism.

Commenting on the program, Asansol South MLA stated, “It is too late for Madam to think of all this; she has to handle her police first. She should resign only then things will fall in place. The initiative is good, now whether it is properly implemented or not is to be seen.”

On the same day, the Union Health Ministry also announced the formation of a committee to propose measures for the safety of healthcare professionals, underscoring the critical need for better protective systems across the sector.