Supreme Court Orders Safety Measures for Doctors Amid Protests

New Delhi: In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India issued multiple directives to enhance the safety of healthcare professionals, particularly doctors, in the wake of the tragic rape and murder of a postgraduate medical student at RG Kar Hospital & Medical College in Kolkata. Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud’s bench reviewed the CBI's status report along with an affidavit submitted by the West Bengal government.

Key Directives from the Supreme Court:

Engagement with State Authorities: The Secretary of the Union Health Ministry has been instructed to engage with Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police across all states and Union territories. The goal is to establish basic minimum safety measures for doctors and other healthcare professionals.
Timely Meetings and Actions: The court has mandated that meetings between state authorities and the Health Ministry be completed within a week. Following these meetings, state governments are required to implement appropriate safety measures within two weeks.
Role of the National Task Force (NTF): The NTF has been directed to consult with various stakeholders, including doctors, interns, residents, and paramedical staff, to gather input on the necessary safety measures.
Web Portal for Suggestions: The Health Ministry is to launch a web portal on its official website, allowing doctors' associations and other stakeholders to submit their suggestions on safety protocols.
Protection of Peaceful Protests: The Supreme Court emphasized that peaceful protests should not be disrupted, and no coercive actions should be taken against protesting doctors. The court also clarified that it has not restricted the West Bengal government from exercising its lawful powers under existing laws.
No Coercive Action Against Protesters: The court urged protesting doctors to resume their duties, assuring them that no coercive steps would be taken against them during the ongoing investigation.

This ruling comes as doctors and medical students across India continue to protest, demanding justice and better safety measures in light of the horrific incident. The Supreme Court’s directives aim to ensure that healthcare professionals can work in a safe and secure environment while addressing the concerns raised by the protesters.