Doctors in Kolkata Protest for Justice After Trainee Doctor’s Tragic Death

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Bengal expressed its deep disappointment on Monday with the Supreme Court’s directive for protesting doctors to return to work by 5.00 PM tomorrow. This directive came in view of ongoing protests regarding the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

“We were expecting a positive outcome, keeping in mind the brutality of the offence. However, we are totally disheartened by the proceedings of the court and the CBI,” the IMA Bengal said in a release. “No step was taken for a speedy trial to deliver justice to our colleague. We were even more disheartened to learn that the Supreme Court has asked the junior doctors who are the forerunners of this protest to return to work by 5 PM tomorrow. It was also very shocking to note the way the junior doctors were portrayed as responsible for a few deaths in the hospitals is false and in no hospital, the service is completely hampered due to the movement of the junior doctors,” it said.

The IMA also mentioned that they all are protesting for a speedy and fair justice for this heinous crime. “We are sorry to say that neither CBI has shown a positive move towards a speedy justice nor the state government has taken any drastic step against this health syndicate,” it said. The IMA Bengal vowed to continue their protest despite the Supreme Court’s order.

“In this situation, the IMA promises to stand by the junior doctors unconditionally in all their future movements. IMA vows to the entire medical fraternity and the common people that the protest will not die down. In the coming days, it will even become stronger, and we will not keep any stone unturned till we get justice,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Monday ordered the immediate removal of all photos of the victim from social media. The apex court also reminded that no action should be taken against doctors once they return to work by tomorrow 5 PM. However, it noted that if they fail to do so, the court will not be able to restrain the state government, and further absence from work might lead to disciplinary action against them.

Senior Advocate Geeta Luthra, following the court’s statement, mentioned that doctors are facing threats. The Supreme Court also directed necessary conditions being created to ensure the safety and security of doctors in hospitals with availability of toilet facilities for both male and female, among others. During the proceedings, CJI Chandrachud directed the CBI to submit an updated status report by next week. The court will review the matter on Tuesday, September 17.