Welcoming the Supreme Court of India’s ruling on 22nd August 2024, several apex medical associations such as the Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA), Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) and several RDAs including RDAAIIMS New Delhi have decided to halt its nationwide suspension of elective services and resume duties from today onwards.
Hearing a sou moto on the rape and murder of a 2nd year postgraduate doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal on 9th August 2024 and the safety and wellbeing of medical professionals, the Supreme Court had ordered: “Secretary in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare shall engage with the Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police so as to ensure that the State Governments/Union Territories put into place certain basic minimum requirements pending the receipt of the report of the NTF (National Task Force) to assuage the concerns of the doctors over their safety at their work places.” The Court has directed for the meeting be completed within one week, with follow-up action within two weeks.
“The States/Union Territories would without awaiting the report of the NTF take suitable measures such as installing CCTV cameras and call distress systems,” the Order also stated.
In a press release, FAIMA remarked that the Supreme Court has “acknowledged the prayers submitted by FAIMA and has directed immediate actions to address the concerns of resident doctors nationwide.” The Association also said that the ruling underscores the importance of their ongoing efforts to safeguard the lives and well- being of healthcare professionals across India.
In its press release, FORDA said that it will closely monitor the situation regarding the demands of the resident doctors at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital and review our position in two weeks and continue to fight through its legal team.
“It is important to note that this is a suspension, not a termination, of the strike,” it stated.
FORDA expressed hope that the NFT will address our concerns, and we will continue to advocate tirelessly for the betterment of the community and its fight for the Central Protection Act. Further, it urged authorities not to take punitive action on Resident doctors for the days of the strike.
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