Supreme Court calls for protocols to ensure doctor safety

New Delhi | Desk: The Supreme Court, while addressing the case of the rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata, emphasized that this issue now extends beyond the specific incident in the hospital and raises concerns about the safety of doctors across India.

The Supreme Court took up the case on its own initiative (Suo motu) and expressed deep concern over the safety of medical professionals, particularly female doctors, who often work long hours under challenging conditions.

The court stressed the need to establish a national protocol to ensure safe working environments for doctors.

It is important to note that the Kolkata High Court had previously transferred the investigation from the West Bengal Police to the CBI following a petition by the Leader of the Opposition.

During Tuesday’s hearing, the Supreme Court remarked that the majority of the affected doctors are interns and resident doctors, many of whom are women working shifts as long as 36 hours.

The court underscored the urgency of creating measures to protect these medical professionals.

The Supreme Court also voiced concern over the victim’s name and images being circulated in the media, calling it “extremely worrying.”

The court emphasized that unsafe working conditions deprive women of their right to equality.

Furthermore, the court criticized the hospital management, questioning the principal’s actions, including the delay in filing an FIR and handing over the victim’s body to her parents.

The court also questioned the police’s role and the security measures in place, asking whether the hospital was allowing vandals to enter the premises after such a serious crime.