On Tuesday(20th August), The Supreme Court of India has established a National Task Force to create guidelines for medical professionals’ safety. However, resident doctors continue to protest, demanding a Central Protection Act and justice for a trainee doctor recently raped and murdered in Kolkata.
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NEW DELHI: On Tuesday(20th August), the Supreme Court of India constituted a National Task Force (NTF) aimed at framing guidelines to ensure the safety of medical professionals across the country. However, the formation of this task force has not been sufficient to quell the ongoing protest by resident doctors, who are steadfast in their demand for the enactment of a Central Protection Act (CPA) and justice for a trainee doctor who was recently raped and murdered in a state-run hospital in Kolkata.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA), representing over 4 lakh members and the largest body of medical professionals in India, has declared that their protest for a Central Protection Act will persist despite the Supreme Court’s order. The IMA has been vocal in its demand for legislation that ensures the safety and dignity of medical professionals.
Dr. R.V. Asokan, National President of the IMA, expressed cautious optimism about the Supreme Court’s move but emphasized the continuation of their protest.
“We welcome the Supreme Court’s order, as it provides significant relief.”
-said Dr. Asokan.
However, he emphasized that their fight is far from over, stating-
“Two of our demands—security for medical professionals and safe, dignified conditions for residents—have been addressed by the Supreme Court. However, we are calling for a policy change that requires a response from the central government. We will persist in our national protest until the Central Protection Act (CPA) is implemented.”
The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), one of the key resident doctors’ associations, was the first to announce that their strike would continue. The association has been at the forefront of the protest, pushing for immediate legislative action.
“Our demand is to reintroduce the CPA law through an ordinance. After meeting with nearly 70 resident doctors’ associations across India, it was unanimously decided that we will continue our strike until the CPA is implemented.”
– stated Dr. Rohan Krishnan, National Chairman of FAIMA.
Dr. Krishnan further expressed a deep-seated distrust in the government’s commitment to their cause, stating-
“We welcome the Supreme Court’s decision but lack confidence in the government and officials. As a result, we have decided to continue the protest, with OPD and elective surgeries remaining closed.”
This sentiment of skepticism was echoed by Dr. Dhruv Chauhan, National Council Coordinator of the Indian Medical Association-Junior Doctors Network (IMA-JDN), who confirmed that the nationwide strike called by resident doctors would continue.
“With a single hearing, the Supreme Court has assured doctors nationwide that their concerns are being addressed by forming a National Task Force, especially when the government had not proactively addressed our issues. While we respect the SC’s decision, we have been advocating from the start for justice for the victim and the implementation of the Central Protection Act for doctors.”
-Dr. Chauhan remarked.
In solidarity with the broader medical community, the United Doctors Front Association (UDFA) has also declared that the strike, which has now entered its ninth day, will persist. The UDFA, however, pointed out a critical omission in the newly formed NTF—the absence of youth representation. The association highlighted that young medical professionals, particularly interns, residents, and junior doctors, are disproportionately affected by the systemic challenges within the healthcare sector.
“Youth representation is lacking within this crucial body.”
-the UDFA noted with concern.
Dr. Lakshya Mittal, National President of UDFA, emphasized the urgent need to address these issues.
“Young medical professionals, including interns, residents, and junior doctors, face disproportionate challenges within the healthcare sector. They often endure the most demanding working conditions and are particularly vulnerable to violence and exploitation.”
– he said.
Dr. Mittal made a heartfelt appeal to all stakeholders—government bodies, the judiciary, and healthcare institutions—to collaborate on these critical issues.
“Ensuring the safety and well-being of medical professionals is not merely a policy issue but a matter of national importance that impacts the health and security of every citizen.”
-he stressed.
As the protest gains momentum, the resident doctors of the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front, RGKar MCH Chapter, have vowed to continue their cease-work until the Supreme Court delivers its verdict on Thursday.
In a poignant appeal to their colleagues and the public, they stated-
“Our cease-work will persist firmly until the Supreme Court delivers its verdict on Thursday. This is not merely a protest; it is a stand for the safety, dignity, and rights of every medical professional in our country.”
They urged unity across the medical community and the nation, saying-
“We call on all medical professionals and every citizen who values justice and human rights to stand with us. Let us unite in this cause, as it is a fight not only for our rights but for the future of healthcare in India.”