On Thursday, the Supreme Court strongly criticized the grueling working conditions faced by resident doctors across India, describing the situation as inhuman. The court urged the newly established 10-member National Task Force (NTF) to urgently address and regulate the working hours of medical professionals.Supreme Courts ConcernChief Justice of India DY Chandrachud expressed deep concern over the harsh working hours endured by resident doctors, with some forced to work up to 36-hour shifts. We are deeply troubled by the inhuman working hours of resident doctors nationwide. Shifts lasting 36 or 48 hours are simply unacceptable, remarked Chief Justice Chandrachud during the hearing.BIG BREAKING: We are deeply concerned about the inhuman working hours of resident doctors across the country. Some doctors work 36-hour shifts. The committee appointed should look into streamlining the on-duty hours of all doctors. 36 or 48 hour shifts are just inhuman! says… pic.twitter.com/cr3iGAdomY— Law Today (@LawTodayLive) August 22, 2024Hearing on Tragic IncidentThese observations were made during a suo motu hearing related to the tragic rape and murder of a postgraduate medical student at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The bench, which included Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, voiced serious concerns about the apparent delays and irregularities in the investigation conducted by Kolkata Police. The court found it particularly alarming that the police took an excessive amount of time to register the case as an unnatural death.“One aspect is extremely disturbing, the General Diary entry of death was recorded at 10:10 am, yet the crime scene was only secured, and evidence seized, at 11:30 pm. What was happening during all those hours” questioned Chief Justice Chandrachud, as reported by Live Law.Details of the IncidentThe horrifying incident, which took place on August 9, involved the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor. Her body was discovered with severe injuries in a seminar hall at the hospital. The case has since been transferred from Kolkata Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) following an order by the Calcutta High Court on August 13.National Task Forces RoleIn response to this case, the Supreme Court directed the National Task Force to formulate a national protocol for ensuring the safety and security of doctors and healthcare professionals. The court also instructed the Union health ministrys secretary to establish a portal where stakeholders can submit their suggestions to the task force.
