Medical Consultants Demand Supreme Court Action: Urgent Call for Enhanced Safety Measures After RG Kar Medical College Tragedy
(Judicial Quest News Network)
New Delhi, 19, August 2024
The Federation of the Association of Medical Consultants of India has urgently petitioned the Supreme Court for stronger preventive measures following the recent rape and murder case at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. Tomorrow, a bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, alongside Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra, will hear this critical intervention application.
The application, drafted by advocate Mohini Priya and supported by advocates Jamshed Mistri and Sunil Khatri, underscores the hazardous working conditions that healthcare professionals in India face. Despite repeated calls for basic safety improvements, violence against doctors remains a persistent and unresolved issue, severely disrupting the healthcare system and undermining public trust in medical institutions.
The Federation highlights the dire need for immediate protective measures, including better lighting, increased security, and the installation of properly monitored security cameras. Many healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, remain vulnerable due to inadequate safety protocols and poorly lit, unsecured areas in medical facilities.
The application also draws attention to the absence of centralized records and legislation concerning violence against medical professionals. This lack of comprehensive data hampers effective crisis management and coordination by the central government. The Federation advocates for uniform, stringent guidelines across all states and medical institutions, supported by legislation imposing severe penalties for acts of violence against healthcare workers, along with regular audits to ensure compliance.
The ongoing violence against healthcare workers has reached a point where it could deter young doctors from entering the profession and diminish the morale of the healthcare community. The Supreme Court’s involvement in this matter, particularly in the wake of the tragic incident involving a 31-year-old resident doctor at RG Kar Medical College, signals a critical opportunity for reform.
The Calcutta High Court has already transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and questioned the adequacy of security measures at the crime scene. The nationwide outrage and protests following the incident underscore the urgent need for comprehensive legal protections and preventive mechanisms for medical professionals. The Federation, representing over 15,000 doctors, aims to assist the Supreme Court in crafting effective guidelines to safeguard healthcare workers and ensure the continuity of a functional and safe healthcare system. Their involvement highlights their deep connection to the issue and their commitment to protecting those who are on the front lines of medical care.
