Supreme Court Issues Safety Directives for Doctors Amid Protests Over RG Kar Hospital Incident

The Supreme Court has issued directives to ensure the safety of health professionals and urged protesting doctors to return to work. The court also directed states not to retaliate against doctors protesting the RG Kar Hospital incident and mandated interim safety measures for medical staff.

The Supreme Court on Thursday delivered several directives to safeguard health professionals and urged them to resume work amid ongoing protests. The top court cautioned states against taking punitive actions against doctors protesting the RG Kar Hospital incident. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, highlighted the impact of these protests on public health infrastructure.

Chief Justice Chandrachud recounted personal experiences to underscore the importance of doctor welfare and acknowledged their long working hours. The court instructed the Health Ministry to collaborate with state officials and police chiefs to ensure the safety of returning doctors.

Various medical organizations, including FAIMA and the National Federation of Resident Doctors of AIIMS, had petitioned the court for interim safety measures. The Supreme Court mandated the Ministry of Health to create a portal for stakeholder suggestions and emphasized non-violence during protests. It also addressed related legal matters, questioning the police and government handling of the RG Kar incident.

(With inputs from agencies.)