[RG Kar Doctor Rape] “Resident Doctors’ Representation is Essential for Practical Solutions & Effective Guidelines”: FAIMA Moves SC Seeking Interim Protection

A doctors’ association Today (Aug 21) moved the Supreme Court seeking interim protection for doctors till the recommendations of the National Task Force (NTF) constituted by the Court are implemented. Seeking intervention in the ongoing proceedings before the apex court, the plea filed by Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) contended that doctors have often been subjected to alleged instances of violence and threat to their safety and security.

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NEW DELHI: A doctors’ association today approached the Supreme Court seeking interim protection for medical professionals until the recommendations of the National Task Force (NTF), which was constituted by the Court, are fully implemented.

The plea, filed by the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), aims to intervene in the ongoing proceedings before the apex court, highlighting the frequent instances of violence and threats that doctors face, which jeopardize their safety and security.

The petition emphasizes the necessity of involving resident doctors in the discussions, stating,

“It is of utmost importance that there is adequate representation from the Resident doctors since they experience the real-time problems on a routine basis and may be in a position to offer a real-time solution to these problems. Involvement of the resident doctors will ensure that comprehensive guidelines are formed after holistic discussion with all stakeholders.”

FAIMA has also called for the implementation of the Central Protection Act to safeguard doctors’ safety and security. Among its requests, the association has sought the installation of CCTV cameras in all sensitive areas, including hospital and hostel entrances, exits, and corridor areas, to enhance security measures.

The plea further highlights that healthcare workers are enduring unhealthy working conditions, asserting that the lack of a safe working environment violates their fundamental right to work. Additionally, the petition calls for compliance with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013 to ensure a secure and supportive environment for female healthcare professionals.

This move comes amid widespread nationwide protests following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. In response to the growing concerns, the Supreme Court on Tuesday established a 10-member National Task Force (NTF) tasked with formulating a protocol to ensure the safety and security of doctors and other healthcare professionals across the country.

YESTERDAY IN APEX COURT

The Supreme Court Yesterday (Aug 20th) made a heartfelt appeal to doctors across the country who are protesting in response to the alleged rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, urging them to call off their strike and return to work.

“Please trust us”

-the Court emphasized, addressing the protesting medical professionals directly.

The Court highlighted the significant impact of the doctors’ absence on vulnerable segments of society who are in dire need of medical care.

“We earnestly appeal to all the doctors that we are here to ensure that their safety and protection is the matter of highest national concern. Please trust us, that is why we have not left the matter to the high court.”

Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, leading a three-judge bench, explained that the Supreme Court had taken up the matter because it was not just a case of a grave offense but one that had far-reaching implications for the healthcare system across India.

“We felt this is not just a matter of a serious offence but which affects the institution of healthcare pan India. Therefore, the need for the Supreme Court to take up the matter,”

-CJI Chandrachud said.

The Supreme Court’s hearing was in relation to a suo motu case concerning the tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College, which has sparked widespread protests among the medical community nationwide.

The Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) responded positively to the Supreme Court’s intervention, stating that it would serve the interests of the medical fraternity. The apex court, recognizing the importance of the ongoing protest, made a further appeal:

“Since this court is seized of the matter pertaining to safety and well-being of all medical professionals at workplaces, we would request all the doctors abstaining from work across the country to resume work at the earliest.”

The bench reiterated that the doctors’ strike was adversely affecting those who needed medical care the most and reassured the medical professionals that their concerns were being addressed with the utmost seriousness.

“The doctors and medical professionals shall stand assured that their concerns are receiving the highest concern from the highest court from a diverse range of counsels,”

-the bench noted, underscoring the Court’s commitment to resolving the issue in a manner that ensures the safety and well-being of medical professionals across the country.

Click Here to Read Previous Reports on Rape & Murder of a Doctor in Kolkata

Click Here to Read Previous Reports on CJI

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