• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

The Supreme Court, on Thursday, condemned the harsh working conditions faced by resident doctors across the country as "inhuman" and directed the 10-member National Task Force (NTF), established earlier this week, to develop guidelines to regulate the working hours of medical professionals.

ALSO READ: Kolkata Rape-Murder Case Takes Us Back To Horrific Similar Cases In Past: Women's Safety Remains Major Concern In India

Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud voiced his concern, stating, "We are deeply concerned about the inhuman working hours of resident doctors across the country. Some doctors work 36-hour shifts. The committee appointed should look into streamlining the on-duty hours of all doctors. 36 or 48-hour shifts are just inhuman!"

These comments were made during a hearing of a suo motu case concerning the rape and murder of a postgraduate doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The bench, which also included Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, expressed alarm over the delays and irregularities in the investigation carried out by Kolkata Police. The court found it "extremely disturbing" that the police delayed registering the case as an unnatural death.

The tragic incident, which occurred on August 9, involved the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor whose body was discovered with severe injuries in a seminar hall at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The case was transferred from Kolkata Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) following a Calcutta High Court order on August 13.

The top court directed the National Task Force to develop a protocol ensuring the safety and security of doctors and other healthcare professionals. The task force was instructed to consult with all relevant stakeholders in formulating a national safety protocol. Also, the court ordered the Union Health Ministry's secretary to establish a portal where stakeholders can submit their suggestions to the task force.