Supreme Court Orders Urgent Measures for India's Doctor Safety After Kolkata Case

The Supreme Court expressed deep concern over the Kolkata Police's delay in registering the death of a raped and murdered doctor at RG Kar Hospital. The court directed the Centre and states to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals, while urging protesting doctors to resume work and promising no adverse actions against them.

The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed grave concern over the delay by Kolkata Police in registering the unnatural death of a woman doctor at RG Kar Hospital, terming the situation 'extremely disturbing.'

The apex court directed the Centre and states to institutionalize the safety of healthcare professionals nationwide, emphasizing that justice and medicine cannot be halted. The court asked protesting doctors to return to work, assuring them of no adverse actions.

A bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud issued directives for the safety of doctors, norms for protests, and the rights of protesters. It mandated that the National Task Force consider all stakeholders' suggestions in creating a national protocol for healthcare professionals' safety.

(With inputs from agencies.)