INDIA’S top court set up a national task force of doctors today to make recommendations on the safety of healthcare staff in their workplaces following the recent rape and killing of a trainee doctor in the eastern city of Kolkata.

Amid continuing outrage and nationwide protests over the shocking crime, the Supreme Court said the doctors’ panel would frame guidelines for ensuring the safety and protection of medical professionals and health workers across the country.

Chief Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud said: “Protecting safety of doctors and women doctors is a matter of national interest and principle of equality.