Supreme Court Steps In After Trainee Doctor’s Tragic Death at RG Kar Medical College
The Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) has approached the Supreme Court for urgent intervention following the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. FAIMA’s petition calls for enhanced security measures, including CCTV installation and compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.
According to FAIMA, the Chief Justice of India has shown consideration for the working environment of resident doctors and assured that the Supreme Court is looking into improving their working conditions and security. This tragic incident has led to nationwide protests and raised serious concerns about the safety of healthcare workers across the country.
FAIMA’s key requests include:
- Immediate Security Measures: Installation of CCTV cameras in sensitive hospital areas and ensuring compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, including a 24×7 distress call facility.
- National Task Force Inclusion: Representation of resident doctors in the National Task Force to address real-time safety issues and formulate comprehensive guidelines.
- Interim Measures: Implementation of urgent measures such as equal bed-to-doctor ratios and secure resting areas until the National Task Force’s recommendations are fully enacted.
- Timeline for Implementation: A stipulated timeline for the enforcement of the National Task Force’s recommendations, ensuring that doctors can work in a safe and dignified environment.
FAIMA emphasized that these directions are crucial for safeguarding the lives and dignity of medical professionals, who continue to work under perilous conditions. The Supreme Court has formed a 10-member National Task Force, including Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, to make recommendations on the prevention of violence and safe working conditions for medical professionals.
The trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9, leading to a wave of outrage from doctors and the general public across the country. FAIMA remains hopeful that the Supreme Court’s intervention will lead to swift and effective action, bringing much-needed security to the healthcare sector.
Doubts Revealed
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It makes important decisions about laws and justice in the country.
Trainee Doctor -: A trainee doctor is someone who is learning to become a full doctor. They work in hospitals to gain experience.
RG Kar Medical College -: RG Kar Medical College is a big hospital and medical school in Kolkata, a city in India. Doctors and students work and study there.
FAIMA -: FAIMA stands for the Federation of All India Medical Associations. It is a group that represents doctors and medical professionals in India.
CCTV -: CCTV stands for Closed-Circuit Television. These are cameras used to monitor and record activities in a place for security purposes.
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 -: This is a law in India that aims to protect women from being harassed at their jobs. It ensures a safe working environment for women.
National Task Force -: A National Task Force is a group of experts formed to solve a specific problem. In this case, it is to improve safety for medical professionals.
Nationwide Protests -: Nationwide protests are when people all over the country gather to show they are unhappy about something. They want to bring attention to important issues.
