The apex court has assured that no adverse action will be taken against doctors who have participated in protests prior to this ruling
Our Bureau
Kolkata/New Delhi
The United Doctors Front Association (UDFA) has suspended the nationwide strike, protesting the Kolkata rape and murder of trainee doctor, following a Supreme Court’s directive on Thursday. “In response to the Supreme Court’s proactive and reassuring directives, UDFA has resolved to suspend the ongoing nationwide strike. This decision is rooted in our unwavering commitment to patient care and our confidence in the judiciary’s ability to address the pressing concerns of the medical fraternity,” a UDFA release said on Thursday.
The UDFA expressed gratitude to the top court for recognizing the gravity of our concerns and taking swift action. The UDFA also emphasized the urgent need for the establishment of a Central Protection Act (CPA) to provide comprehensive legal safeguards for healthcare professionals.
“UDFA remains vigilant and committed to advocating for this critical legislation, which is essential for the long-term security of medical practitioners in India,” the release mentioned.
On August 22, the Supreme Court directed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to engage with the Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police across all states and Union Territories. The directive includes an unequivocal mandate for state governments and Union Territories to establish and enforce minimum safety standards in all medical institutions.
The apex court has assured that no adverse action will be taken against doctors who have participated in protests prior to this ruling. It has also instructed the installation of CCTV cameras and call distress systems in medical establishments. The court also affirmed UDFA’s role as a key stakeholder in the ongoing National Task Force discussions.
The apex court has imposed stringent timelines for action. The Union Health Ministry, along with state authorities, is required to complete consultations within one week, followed by prompt implementation within the subsequent two weeks.
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Following the Supreme Court’s order to hand over security of Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) during the hearing of the suo motu case of the rape and murder of the trainee doctor there, CISF personnel were deployed to beef up the security at the hospital and college complex in all shifts.
The step was taken after the Supreme Court, on Tuesday, asked to hand over the security of Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital to the CISF as it heard the suo motu case of the rape and murder of the trainee doctor there.
Earlier on August 21, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) wrote a letter to the Chief Secretary of West Bengal on the deployment of CISF personnel at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata in response to the rising protests following the rape and murder incident of a postgraduate trainee doctor of the institution.
This move comes as West Bengal faces a period of heightened agitation, with protesters voicing various grievances. The CISF’s intervention is expected to bolster security efforts and help mitigate any potential threats to public peace.
Meanwhile, urging the central government to bring in central legalization and set up fast-track courts for “sensitive” issues, to ensure fast speedy trial, West Bengal Mamata Banerjee on Thursday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the wake of the national outrage over the RG Kar medical hospital incident where a second-year trainee doctor was raped and murdered.
As the nation fumes over the RG Kar medical hospital incident, igniting discussions and protests on crime against women in India, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in a letter to PM Modi wrote, “I wish to bring your kind attention to the regular and increasing occurrence of rape cases throughout the country and in many cases, rapes with murder are committed.”
Mamata, in the letter, mentioned that such “sensitive” issues need to be addressed comprehensively through stringent central legalization prescribing exemplary punishment against the persons involved in such dastardly crimes.
The Bengal Chief Minister suggested setting up of “fast track special courts” to deal with such cases, which need a speedy trial.
“To ensure justice, trial in such cases should preferably be completed within 15 days,” the letter further read. The West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is facing a huge backlash from the opposition over the safety and security of women in her state after the horrific RG Kar medical hospital incident.
