Doctors End Strike After Supreme Court’s Directive on Kolkata Incident
The United Doctors Front Association (UDFA) has decided to suspend its nationwide strike. This strike was in response to the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9.
Supreme Court’s Directive
On August 22, the Supreme Court directed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to work with state authorities to ensure safety in medical institutions. The court has mandated the installation of CCTV cameras and distress call systems in these establishments. The court also assured that no adverse action would be taken against doctors who participated in the protests.
UDFA’s Response
The UDFA expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court for its swift action and emphasized the need for a Central Protection Act to safeguard healthcare professionals. The association remains committed to advocating for this critical legislation.
Implementation Timeline
The Supreme Court has set strict timelines for action. The Union Health Ministry and state authorities must complete consultations within one week and implement the measures within the following two weeks.
Background
The bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra, passed these directions while hearing a suo motu petition. Following the court’s directive, doctors from various hospitals, including Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and All India Institutes of Medical Sciences, ended their strike.
Doubts Revealed
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It makes important decisions that everyone in the country must follow.
Directive -: A directive is an official order or instruction given by an authority, like the Supreme Court, that must be followed.
Kolkata -: Kolkata is a big city in India, located in the state of West Bengal. It is known for its rich culture and history.
United Doctors Front Association (UDFA) -: The United Doctors Front Association (UDFA) is a group of doctors in India who come together to address issues and concerns related to their profession.
Nationwide strike -: A nationwide strike means that people all over the country stop working to protest or demand something. In this case, doctors across India stopped working.
Trainee doctor -: A trainee doctor is someone who is learning to become a doctor. They are still in training and not fully qualified yet.
Mandated -: Mandated means that something is required or ordered by an authority, like the Supreme Court.
Medical institutions -: Medical institutions are places like hospitals and clinics where people go to get medical care and treatment.
Adverse action -: Adverse action means any negative or harmful action taken against someone. In this case, it means no punishment for the protesting doctors.
Central Protection Act -: A Central Protection Act would be a law made by the central government to protect healthcare professionals and ensure their safety while they work.
