Kolkata horror case: Doctors’ body criticises Supreme Court directive: ‘Well intentioned, but inadequate…’
PTC News Desk: Despite the Supreme Court’s appeal for doctors to return to work, the nationwide protest by medical professionals shows no signs of abating. The Court, which initiated a hearing on the extensive dispute today, sought to strike a balance between ensuring the safety of doctors and maintaining patient care. It called for the establishment of a national protocol to enhance safety in healthcare workplaces. However, the protesting doctors have made their stance clear.
The All-India Residents and Junior Doctors’ Joint Action Forum, a prominent doctors’ organisation, has been forthright in its response. In a statement, the Forum criticised the Supreme Court’s directive for increased hospital security, stating that while the measure is well-intentioned, it fails to address the fundamental issues within the healthcare system.
“The real issue is a public healthcare system that has been systematically neglected, underfunded, and understaffed for decades,” the Forum’s communique read. “While the CJI’s call for enhanced security in hospitals addresses an immediate crisis, it cannot serve as a permanent solution.”
#WATCH | West Bengal: Visuals from RG Kar Medical College & Hospital where the students have been protesting against the sexual assault and murder of a woman post-graduate trainee (PGT) doctor on August 9. pic.twitter.com/zdcv0UeZy9
— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2024
The Forum has called for a “comprehensive overhaul of the system,” pledging to continue their movement until their demands are met. They vowed to persist until the underlying issues in the healthcare system are addressed and the responsible parties are held accountable.
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Resident doctors from RG Kar Medical College have also maintained their stance, stating that their strike will continue until the Supreme Court delivers its verdict on Thursday. “Our cease work will continue resolutely until the Supreme Court delivers its verdict. This is not just a protest; it is a stand for the safety, dignity, and rights of every medical professional in our country,” the college’s statement declared.
The Federation of Resident Doctors’ Associations (FORDA) has held meetings with representatives from 35 Resident Doctors’ Associations. They are now consulting with doctors for further feedback, with plans for a follow-up meeting to ensure the movement remains guided by the collective voices of resident doctors.
The Supreme Court, which has taken suo motu cognizance of the matter, provided an explanation for its intervention. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, leading the three-judge bench, emphasized that the case transcends the horrific murder of a 31-year-old doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College. He described it as a broader issue concerning the safety of doctors nationwide.
The Court urged doctors who are currently on strike to resume their duties, noting that their absence impacts those in need of medical care. The Supreme Court assured medical professionals that their concerns are being addressed and emphasised the need for a national safety protocol to be enforced across the country.
In response to the tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College, the Court has demanded a status report from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by Thursday. It has also highlighted the necessity for a national protocol to ensure safe working conditions for healthcare workers.
Also Read: Kolkata horror: Supreme Court to hear Kolkata doctor murder case today amid ongoing protests