The Supreme Court of India has taken a firm stance against the alarming rise in violence against medical professionals, specifically highlighting the gruesome murder of a 31-year-old post-graduate trainee woman doctor in Kolkata. The court initiated a suo motu petition on Tuesday, expressing its deep dissatisfaction with the response of the West Bengal government and the authorities at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
The court raised serious concerns about the delay in filing the FIR, the mishandling of the case, and the lack of adequate institutional safety standards for doctors. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud pointed out the vulnerability of medical professionals to violence, particularly women doctors who are often targeted due to ingrained patriarchal biases. He emphasized that the nation cannot wait for another horrific incident before taking concrete action to improve safety measures.
The Supreme Court bench highlighted several procedural lapses, questioning the delay in registering the FIR, the actions of the hospital administration, and the role of the Kolkata police. The court pointedly asked why the FIR was registered three hours after the body was handed over for cremation and questioned the absence of a timely response from the hospital principal. The court also questioned the police’s inaction in a serious crime scene within a hospital, allowing vandals to enter the premises.
The bench further discussed the issue of patriarchal biases and its impact on women doctors, emphasizing the urgent need to address this problem. They noted the increasing participation of women in the workforce and stressed that the nation cannot afford to wait for another tragedy before enacting meaningful change.
The court’s scrutiny extended to the handling of the investigation and the actions of the hospital authorities. Justice Pardiwala specifically questioned the time of filing the FIR and the identity of the first informant. He noted the delay in conducting the autopsy and the subsequent handover of the victim’s body for cremation. The court expressed its concern over the apparent lack of urgency from the hospital authorities, questioning the role of the principal and the hospital board in the situation.
Following its critical assessment of the case, the Supreme Court bench took a decisive step by constituting a 10-member national task force (NTF) comprising top doctors from across the country. The NTF is tasked with developing a comprehensive national protocol to ensure the safety and facilities for doctors, effectively addressing the systemic issues that contribute to their vulnerability.
The task force, composed of renowned medical experts, will consult with stakeholders to reach a national consensus on the implementation of the new protocol. They will submit an interim report within three weeks and a final report within two months, paving the way for a safer and more secure environment for medical professionals in India.
