FAIMA Urges Top Court for Immediate Safety Measures for Doctors

The Federation of All India Medical Associations has approached the Supreme Court seeking interim protection for doctors until the National Task Force's recommendations are implemented, following the rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata. FAIMA requested measures like CCTV monitoring and trained security personnel for enhanced safety.

The Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) has petitioned the Supreme Court for interim protection for doctors until the National Task Force (NTF) recommendations are implemented. This move follows the rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, which prompted the Supreme Court to establish a national task force for doctor safety.

FAIMA expressed deep respect and gratitude to the Supreme Court for taking suo moto cognizance of the incident and for its directives issued on August 20. The association highlighted the urgent need for interim measures, including CCTV monitoring, compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2013, and ensuring equal bed-to-doctor ratios, as immediate measures of protection.

The application, filed through advocate Tanvi Dubey and representing FAIMA General Secretary Dr. Rishiraj Sinha, emphasized that unsafe working conditions infringe on healthcare workers' fundamental right to work. With a noted lack of institutional safety, many doctors, especially women, feel threatened in their work environment. FAIMA also called for the inclusion of a Resident Doctors' representative in the National Task Force and strict compliance with its recommendations nationwide.

(With inputs from agencies.)