Top Court Slams Kolkata Hospital: Questions Raised Over Case Filed 3 Hours Post Cremation !

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court announced the establishment of a national task force aimed at providing recommendations for ensuring safe working conditions for healthcare professionals. This decision came in the wake of the Court’s criticism of the West Bengal government regarding its management of the horrific rape and murder case involving a trainee doctor. The bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, also voiced significant discontent with the RG Kar Hospital authorities for their delay in filing the First Information Report (FIR). The Supreme Court questioned, “The autopsy confirmed that the doctor was murdered, yet the FIR was lodged at 11:45 PM. What actions were the hospital authorities taking?”

The 31-year-old physician was discovered deceased at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, which ignited widespread protests and strikes among the medical community. Subsequently, a civic volunteer named Sanjay Roy was apprehended by the Kolkata Police the following day.

Kolkata doctor rape-murder: Top points

• The Supreme Court announced the establishment of a national task force under its jurisdiction. The Chief Justice of India stated, “This task force will comprise medical professionals from various fields who will recommend practices to be implemented throughout India, ensuring safe working conditions for young and middle-aged doctors in their professional environments.”
• The ongoing case in the Supreme Court is anticipated to broaden the scope of judicial examination, particularly in light of the nationwide strike initiated by medical professionals.
• The Federation of Residents of Doctors Association (FORDA) has submitted an intervention plea, requesting the deployment of central forces to ensure the safety of personnel at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital until the investigation concludes.
• Additionally, FORDA has called for the apex court to establish guidelines pertinent to the current regulations governing health professionals.
• The Delhi Medical Association has approached the Supreme Court, seeking to be included as a party in the suo-motu proceedings related to the Kolkata rape and murder incident.
• Furthermore, the Delhi Medical Association has proposed the formation of a committee led by a former Supreme Court judge to develop a framework aimed at safeguarding doctors and medical staff from violence in hospitals and public healthcare facilities.
• In its plea, the Delhi Medical Association has also requested the Supreme Court to mandate the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) within 24 hours following such incidents occurring near or within healthcare institutions.
• Moreover, the Delhi Medical Association has advocated for the establishment of a “compensation distress fund” for victims in the healthcare sector or for the families of deceased victims.
• The horrific rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at the state-operated RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has incited a nationwide strike, with medical professionals advocating for a Central Protection Law to ensure their safety.
• West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose remarked on Monday that the handling of the rape and murder case involving the postgraduate trainee doctor in Kolkata has been inadequate.