The Chief Justice of India Today (Aug 22) appealed to the doctors protesting against the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata to return to work and assured them that no adverse action would be taken by the hospitals. “Let them all return to work… we will pass some general order. Once doctors resume duties, we will prevail upon authorities to not take adverse actions. How will public administrative structure run if they don’t resume work?” CJI Chandrachud said.
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NEW DELHI: Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud made a heartfelt appeal to doctors who are protesting against the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, urging them to return to work.
He assured the protesting doctors that no adverse actions would be taken by the hospitals upon their return.
“Let them all return to work… we will pass some general order. Once doctors resume duties, we will prevail upon authorities to not take adverse actions. How will public administrative structure run if they don’t resume work?”
-Chief Justice Chandrachud stated.
In addition to addressing the immediate concerns of the protest, the Supreme Court also acknowledged the challenging conditions faced by resident doctors in public hospitals, particularly the issue of excessively long duty hours.
“Committee (National Task Force) will ensure it will hear all representatives. We will reiterate that in our order…Our hearts go out to all those going to Public hospitals. We will make a statement that resident doctors will be heard, you stakes and inputs are very high.”
-CJI
“If we start asking representatives of various stakeholders to be part of the committee, then work of the committee gets dislocated…We know that the committee has senior women doctors, and they have dedicated life to public health infrastructure…The committee will hear everyone..interns, residents, senior residents, nurses, paramedical staff.. committee will ensure that all representatives are heard.”
-Court added.
![[BREAKING] RG Kar Rape Case | "Return to Work, No Action Will be Taken": CJI Assures Protesting Doctors](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-249.png?resize=820%2C460&ssl=1)
“If there is difficulty after that, then come to us, but let them first report to work,”
-the Supreme Court bench said.
The nationwide protest by resident doctors entered the 11th day on Thursday, affecting patient services in several hospitals. Doctors are seeking the implementation of the Central Protection Act for the safety and security of healthcare professionals.
The Chief Justice also said the national task force set up by the court would consult all stakeholders, including the resident doctors, before suggesting guidelines on the safety of doctors at their workplaces.
“The duty is almost 48 hours, then you are neither in a physical or mental state to resist if somebody is teasing you. I’am not even going on about serious crimes.”
-CJI
The Supreme Court also took note of the long duty hours of resident doctors at public hospitals. The Chief Justice said he had himself once slept on the floor of a hospital.
The Kolkata trainee doctor was raped and killed at RG Kar Hospital’s seminar room where she had gone to rest after a gruelling 36-hour shift.
“There is a hierarchical nature in public hospitals and junior doctors are susceptible to different kinds of harassment and not just sexual harassment. We have been flooded with email…48 or 36 hours of duty is not good,”
-the Chief Justice remarked, highlighting the systemic issues that exacerbate the difficulties faced by junior doctors.
“Please reassure the doctors that we recognize their commitment, as they often work 36-hour shifts. I have personally experienced the dedication of healthcare workers, having slept on the floor of a public hospital when a family member was ill.”
-CJI made a heartfelt appeal
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