New Delhi: The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) filed an intervention application with the Supreme Court on Wednesday, requesting interim protection for doctors until the recommendations of the National Task Force, constituted by the apex court, are implemented.
The plea, submitted amidst ongoing proceedings before the Supreme Court, highlighted the frequent incidents of violence and threats faced by doctors, calling for urgent measures to ensure their safety and security.
"It is crucial that resident doctors are adequately represented, as they encounter real-time problems on a routine basis and may be better positioned to offer practical solutions. Their involvement will help ensure that comprehensive guidelines are developed through holistic discussions with all stakeholders," the plea stated.
FAIMA also urged the implementation of the Central Protection Act for the safety and security of doctors, emphasising the need for immediate action.
The application also called for the installation of CCTV cameras in sensitive areas, including hospital and hostel entrances, exits, and corridors, to enhance security measures.
The petition argued that healthcare workers are subjected to unhealthy working conditions, and the lack of a safe working environment violates their fundamental right to work.
The plea further requested the enforcement of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, and proposed the inclusion of a 24/7 emergency distress call facility in medical establishments.
FAIMA also sought to ensure that the ratio of beds to doctors is balanced, particularly for those undertaking 36-hour or 48-hour duty shifts.
The intervention comes in the wake of national outrage following the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. In response to this tragic incident, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, constituted a 10-member National Task Force to formulate protocols to ensure the safety and security of doctors and other healthcare professionals.
