RG Kar rape, murder: Medical consultants move Supreme Court for strong preventive mechanism

The Federation of the Associations of Medical Consultants of India (FAMCI) has filed an intervention application before the Supreme Court in its suo motu proceedings in connection with the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case. [In Re: Alleged Rape and Murder Incident of a Trainee Doctor in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata and Related Issues].A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra is set to hear the matter tomorrow..The federation's application has been drafted by and filed through advocate Mohini Priya, who will be representing the body with advocates Jamshed Mistry and Sunil Khatri..It flags and highlights the dangerous working conditions under which healthcare professionals in India continue to operate despite years of demanding basic safety measures."Violence against doctors in India has become a chronic and unresolved issue, for which we have yet to find a lasting solution ... affects the individuals involved but also disrupts the functioning of the entire healthcare system." Immediate attention and strong protective measures are necessary to restore faith in safety and the integrity of medical institutions, it is stressed."Despite countless protests and requests for safety measures, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers remain vulnerable. Simple yet critical measures, such as improved lighting, increased security, and the installation of properly monitored security cameras, have not been implemented in many institutions, leaving healthcare professionals exposed to violence. Some doctors protesting in Delhi have pointed out that medical colleges often have ill-lit corridors, poorly secured wards, and long distances between departments, which further contribute to their vulnerability," the plea states. Pertinently, the application has highlighted the lack of centralised records and legislation when it comes to details of fatalities of medical professionals due to attacks by patients. "This lack of centralized data inhibits the Union Government from addressing the crisis with the urgency and coordination it demands. There is an urgent need for the issuance of stringent uniform guidelines that apply uniformly across all States and medical institutions. Furthermore, these central guidelines should be backed by legislation that imposes severe penalties for acts of violence against healthcare workers, along with regular audits to ensure compliance," it has been contended.Absence of immediate action can discourage young doctors from pursuing the profession and lead to a general decline in the morale of the healthcare community, it is added."The incident makes it clear that existing legal protections for medical professionals are inadequate. There is an urgent need for comprehensive legal guidelines that not only punish perpetrators of violence but also implement preventive mechanisms.".The Supreme Court recently registered a suo motu case in connection with the rape and murder of a 31-year-old resident doctor found dead at a seminar hall of the State-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal. Notably, the Calcutta High Court is already seized of the matter, and transferred the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).It had also questioned the State on whether there was any urgency for renovation near the crime scene. The incident has sparked nationwide outrage and protests. .[Watch livestream of the suo motu proceedings here]