In response to a suo-motu case about the rape and murder of a postgraduate medical student at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, the Supreme Court of India issued a number of instructions on August 22. The case, which has garnered a lot of attention, forced the Court to consider the more general problem of safety for medical personnel nationwide.
A West Bengal government affidavit and a status report from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were examined by a bench chaired by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud. Given the seriousness of the case, the Court set forth a number of important guidelines designed to improve medical professionals’ safety and address the pressing issues brought up by the tragedy.
First, the Chief Secretary of the Union Health Ministry and the Directors General of Police in every state and Union territory were ordered by the Supreme Court to work together. The goal of this partnership is to guarantee the establishment and use of fundamental safety protocols for physicians and other healthcare professionals. The Court underlined that a week should pass before this engagement is concluded.
After that, state governments have two weeks to implement the necessary corrective measures in accordance with the safety measures that were discussed. The purpose of this directive is to put in place practical safety measures and address urgent safety concerns pertaining to healthcare personnel.
The National Task Force (NTF) was also directed by the Court to consult with different parties on healthcare workers’ safety. This include getting feedback from medical professionals, nurses, interns, and support personnel. It is the responsibility of the NTF to take these various points of view into account while creating thorough safety procedures.
The Union Health Ministry was also mandated by the Supreme Court to establish a web portal on its website. Doctors’ associations and other pertinent parties will be able to submit ideas for enhancing safety and resolving issues through this platform. This action is meant to make it easier to gather suggestions and comments in an orderly and systematic manner.
The Court further ordered that doctors’ nonviolent protests be allowed to continue unhindered and that no punitive measures be used against the demonstrators. The goal of this order is to guarantee that people can voice valid complaints without worrying about facing reprisals.
The West Bengal government is still free to use its legal authority, but the Court has asked that doctors who are protesting return to their jobs without being subjected to coercion. The Court further ordered all states and Union territories to maintain vigilance in order to prevent any breaches of safety in medical facilities until the NTF presents its findings.
The Supreme Court’s resolve to address the pressing safety concerns of healthcare professionals while upholding lawful and nonviolent protest channels is reflected in these orders.
SOURCE :
THE PRINT
