Though well-intentioned, does not address core problems: Doctors' body on SC directive to provide CISF security
New Delhi/IBNS: The doctors' body is not yet ready to call off its protest even after the Supreme Court's appeal to them over returning to work notwithstanding in connection with the brutal rape and murder of the female trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital and Medical College.
The court, which initiated a hearing on the massive row over the heinous crime, had tried to balance the security of doctors with patient care, calling for a national protocol for safety at workplaces.
However, the doctors made their position clear.
One of the doctors' bodies -- the All-India Residents and Junior Doctors' Joint Action Forum -- has not minced words.
"The Supreme Court's directive for increased security at hospitals, while well-intentioned, does not address the core problems plaguing our healthcare system," read a communique from the Forum.
"The real issue is a public healthcare system that has been systematically neglected, underfunded, and understaffed for decades. While the CJI's call for enhanced security in hospitals is a response to the immediate crisis this cannot be a permanent and feasible solution," it added.
Calling for a "comprehensive overhaul of the system", the organisation said, it will "continue the movement until our demands are met... We will not rest until the real culprits are brought to justice, and the systemic issues that plague our healthcare system are addressed."
The resident doctors of RG Kar Medical College made it clear that they will not take a step back for now.
"Our cease work will continue resolutely until the Supreme Court delivers its verdict on Thursday. This is not just a protest; it is a stand for the safety, dignity, and rights of every medical professional in our country," read its note to the media.
FORDA (Federation of Resident Doctors Association) said it has already held a meeting with representatives of 35 Resident Doctors' Associations.
"The representatives will now consult with Resident Doctors for their feedback, before a follow-up meeting," it said, underscoring that the movement will continue to be guided by the 'collective voices" of our resident doctors.
The top court, which has taken note of the huge row on its own, explained its reasons for doing so. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, who led the three-judge bench, said, "Why we decided to take suo motu though High Court was hearing it because this is not just a case of a horrific murder in the Kolkata hospital...but this is about systemic issue about safety of doctors across India."
The judges said: "Since the court is considering matters related to the safety and welfare of all doctors, we request those doctors who are currently away from work to resume their duties as soon as possible. The absence of doctors affects the section of society that needs medical care. Doctors and medical professionals can be assured that their concerns are being addressed by the Supreme Court".
"It is essential to maintain safe conditions for doctors to pursue their duty. Thus we have been assured by SG Mehta that CISF shall be deputed in sufficient numbers to guard the facility of RG Kar Medical college ..Mr Sibal says there is no objection since the aim is to safeguard the place. Any concern regarding to their safety can be placed by an email to the registrar judicial of this court," the CJI said.
Earlier on August 14 midnight, a mob vandalised the hospital and Kolkata Police personnel deployed there allegedly fled the scene during the attack, due to which the court has asked for added security, especially since many residents have left their place of duty.
The Supreme Court came down heavily on the West Bengal government over the delay in filing FIR in the horrific rape-murder case and ordered the setting up of a National Task Force to look into the safety of healthcare staff in hospitals across the country.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently probing both rape-murder and hospital vandalism cases, having taken over from Kolkata Police based on a Calcutta High Court order.
Meanwhile, the West Bengal government has established a special investigation team (SIT) to investigate alleged financial irregularities at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital when ex-principal Sandip Ghosh was in charge.
The junior doctors, particularly in West Bengal, went on a strike demanding justice for the 31-year-old, who is now referred to as Tillotama, cripping the medical system of the state.
Not just the students, people from diverse fraternities are conducting rallies in Kolkata and neighbouring districts on a regular basis with one-point demand, justice for the victim.
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