Supreme court appeals to striking doctors: Your concerns are national priority

The Supreme Court on Tuesday, August 20, addressed the ongoing Kolkata doctor rape-murder case and called upon protesting doctors to return to work, assuring them that their concerns are being treated with the utmost importance. The three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, emphasized that the safety of doctors and their demands is a matter of "high national priority."

In its ruling, the Supreme Court stated, "We request all doctors who are currently abstaining from work across the country to resume their duties as soon as possible. The absence of doctors from their posts is impacting those who rely most on public healthcare facilities. We want to assure the protesting doctors that their concerns are being taken seriously by the Supreme Court of India, and this issue is of high national priority."

Supreme Court's Concerns for Resident Doctors

The court highlighted the situation at RG Kar Medical College, where out of 700 resident doctors, only about 30 to 40 female doctors and 60 to 70 male doctors remained on duty after an attack on the hospital on August 14. The Supreme Court stressed the importance of creating a safe environment for interns, residents, and senior doctors so they can continue their education and provide medical care to patients.

The Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, assured the court that the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) would be deployed in adequate numbers at RG Kar Medical College, including the hostels, to ensure the safety of the doctors. Senior counsel Kapil Sibal, representing the West Bengal government, confirmed that there was no objection to the deployment of central forces.

Supreme Court's Observations During the Hearing

The Supreme Court announced that it would form a 10-member task force to develop a national protocol for the safety and welfare of doctors. The court also questioned the delay in filing the FIR and the hasty transfer of the hospital principal. The SC has requested a status report on the investigation from the CBI and sought a report from the West Bengal government on the disturbances at RG Kar hospital. The next hearing is scheduled for August 22.

FAIMA Doctors Association's Response

Dr. Rohan Krishnan, Chairman of the FAIMA Doctors Association, expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court for addressing the issues faced by doctors and called for the implementation of a Central Protection Act for Healthcare Workers. He stated that until the act is passed through an Ordinance, the strike would continue.

Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder Case

The incident involves the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at a government hospital in Kolkata on August 9. The victim's semi-naked body was found in the hospital's seminar hall, and a civic volunteer was arrested the following day in connection with the crime.