Kolkata Doctor Murder Case: FAIMA moves SC seeking safety measures, inclusion in National Task Force

NEW DELHI: The Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) has made an urgent appeal to the Supreme Court of India, seeking immediate intervention in response to the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. This Kolkata rape-murder incident has not only sparked nationwide outrage but has also highlighted the issues with poor working conditions faced by healthcare professionals across India, particularly women. In the petition, FAIMA has outlined several demands including installation of CCTV cameras in hospitals, inclusion of doctors in the National Task Force and many more.

In its plea, FAIMA has called for the Supreme Court to take immediate action to ensure the safety and security of doctors, who are vulnerable to threat and harassment in their workplaces. "FAIMA's petition highlights the dire need for enhanced security and better working conditions for doctors, especially women, who face constant threats in their line of duty", read the FAIMA press release.

Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder Case: Nationwide protests

The tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College has ignited protests across the country, with medical professionals and concerned citizens demanding justice and better protection for healthcare workers. The outrage has brought to the forefront the long-standing issue of inadequate security measures in medical institutions, which leaves doctors especially females at significant risk. Healthcare services continue to be disrupted at state-run hospitals in West Bengal as junior doctors continue with their strike for the 13th consecutive day. senior doctors were instructed to take over duties at several hospitals in place of the striking junior doctors.

RG Kar Medical College Case: Supreme Court’s assurance

FAIMA has expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice of India for acknowledging the challenging working environment faced by resident doctors and for his assurance that the Supreme Court is committed to improving these conditions. The association’s petition emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Also read Kolkata doctor rape-murder: Bengal govt forms SIT to probe into financial irregularities at RG Kar hospital

Key demands in FAIMA’s petition

FAIMA’s petition to the Supreme Court outlines several interventions and directions aimed at enhancing the safety and working conditions of doctors. These include:

• Immediate security measures: FAIMA demands installation of CCTV cameras in sensitive areas of hospitals, ensuring round-the-clock monitoring. The association has also stressed the importance of strict compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, including the provision of a 24x7 distress call facility for healthcare workers.
• National Task Force inclusion: The petition requests that resident doctors be given representation in the National Task Force, which is tasked with addressing real-time safety concerns in hospitals. FAIMA believes that the inclusion of doctors in this task force will ensure that their perspectives are considered when formulating guidelines for hospital safety.
• Interim safety measures: While awaiting the full implementation of the National Task Force’s recommendations, FAIMA has called for immediate interim measures to protect doctors. These include maintaining an equal bed-to-doctor ratio and providing secure resting areas for doctors on duty.
• Timeline for implementation: Recognizing the urgency of the situation, FAIMA has urged the Supreme Court to set a clear timeline for the enforcement of the National Task Force’s recommendations. The association argues that doctors deserve to work in an environment where their safety and dignity are prioritized.

"These directions are crucial for safeguarding the lives and dignity of medical professionals, who continue to work under perilous conditions. FAIMA remains hopeful that the Supreme Court’s intervention will lead to swift and effective action, bringing much-needed security to the healthcare sector'', read the FAIMA press release.