LIVE | Kolkata horror: SC forms task force for doctors’ safety; medics to continue stir
#WATCH | Delhi: On Supreme Court taking suo motu cognizance of the rape and murder of a doctor in RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata, Advocate Satyam Singh says, "First of all the Supreme Court has asked for the CBI report and meanwhile it has ordered to constitute a National Task Force… pic.twitter.com/kmN2fNOFaA
— ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2024
#WATCH | Delhi: On Supreme Court taking suo motu cognizance of the rape and murder of a doctor in RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata, Advocate Satyam Singh says, "First of all the Supreme Court has asked for the CBI report and meanwhile it has ordered to constitute a National Task Force… pic.twitter.com/kmN2fNOFaA
— ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2024
Doctors' body welcomes SC intervention in Kolkata medic murder case
The Federation of Resident Doctors' Association on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court's intervention into the rape and murder of Kolkata medic, saying it will serve the interests of the medical fraternity.
At Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, doctors' raised slogans like 'Supreme Court zindabad'.
"We welcome the exhaustive session by the Hon'ble Supreme Court and trust their intervention in the larger interest of our fraternity. We will consult with all our stakeholders before making a decision," FORDA said in a statement.
A FORDA member told PTI that the body would hold a meeting with all stakeholders before making a decision on strike.
Federation of All India Medical Association, or FAIMA, another doctors' body, said it will also conduct a meeting soon.
"We will update soon. The decision will be made after considering every state RDA's input and will be based on the majority's decision," FAIMA said.
SC asks CISF to beef up security at RG Kar hospital
The Supreme Court has asked the CISF to provide enhanced security at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
The campus recently witnessed vandalism by unidentified miscreants amid protests staged by medics.
Bengal governor meets President Murmu
Governor CV Ananda Bose met President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday.
"Governor of West Bengal Dr C V Ananda Bose called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan," the President's office said in a post on X and shared a picture of the meeting.
Bengal in state of flux, people lost faith in present govt: Governor
Terming the alleged rape and murder of a woman doctor in a Kolkata hospital as the "most shameful moment" for society, Governor C V Ananda Bose claimed that West Bengal is in a "state of flux" and the people have "lost faith in the present government".
Referring to a recent rally organised by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to demand justice for the deceased trainee doctor, Bose questioned her stance and alleged that her statements were merely rhetorical.
In an interview with PTI, Bose said, "Bengal is in a state of flux. Students have lost faith in the government, youths are scared and women are in a state of despair. There is a feeling that the government, which is supposed to protect the citizens, is not doing its role."
"Students have lost faith in the police. There is also a growing feeling of disenchantment among the youth, particularly women doctors and paramedics. As far as citizens are concerned, they are all aggrieved that the government does not act when action is called for," he said.
He also alleged that Kolkata Police is "criminalised and politicised" and expressed concern over a "perceived disconnect between the government's actions and the needs of its citizens".
Next hearing on Thursday after reports from CBI, state
CJI lists matter for hearing again on August 22 (Thursday).
What national task force will do
SC directs that the NTF shall make actions plans on two heads: (1) preventing violence including gender based violence against medical professionals; (2) providing an enforceable national protocol for dignified and safe working conditions for interns, residents, senior residents, doctors, etc.
(1) A. Preventing violence including gender based violence against medical professionals - (a) ensuring safety in the hospital; (b) infrastructural development; (C) employment of social welfare workers trained in grief and crisis counselling; (d) workshops on handling grief and crisis.
(1) B. Prevention of sexual violence against medical professionals : (a) Prevention Sexual Harassment Against Women At Workplace Act applies to hospitals and nursing homes, including private healthcare providers
As per the Act, (a) an internal complaints committee must at all hospitals; (b) duties of employer under POSH Act has to be followed and discharged; (c) there shall be helpline number for medical professionals.
NTF is entitled to make additional suggestions wherever appropriate. The NTF shall also suggest the appropriate timelines by which the recommendations are to be implemented based on facilities in the hospitals.
CJI clarified that phrase 'medical professionals' includes doctors, students undergoing internship, residents doctors and senior resident doctors as well as nurses.
NTF is entitled to make additional suggestions wherever appropriate. The NTF shall also suggest the appropriate timelines by which the recommendations are to be implemented based on facilities in the hospitals
NTF is required to consult all stakeholders bearing in mind the urgency and gravity of the situation.
NTF is required to submit an interim report within 3 weeks and a final report in 2 months from the date of this order.
All states are to collect data from hospitals on the following : (1) number security personnel employed at each hospital; (2) total resting rooms etc in the hospital; (3) information of whether all areas of hospital are accessible to the general public.