CJI emphasized the need for the state to instill confidence in medical professionals by ensuring their safety at work.

Supreme Court Hearing on Doctors' Strike in West Bengal Over Kolkata RG Kar College Rape Case: In a pivotal hearing concerning the suo motu case on the horrific rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College Hospital, Kolkata, the Supreme Court addressed the ongoing disruption in healthcare services across West Bengal. 

A bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud took up the issue of mass absenteeism of resident doctors from medical colleges across the state, which has led to a 28-day disruption in medical services.

During the hearing, CJI Chandrachud expressed concerns over the impact of the doctors' protest on healthcare in the state, stating, "The mass abstention from work by resident doctors has caused severe disruptions to health services in West Bengal." 

Acknowledging the grievance of the protesting doctors, the CJI emphasized the need for the state to instill confidence in medical professionals by ensuring their safety at work.

“The state of West Bengal must take concrete steps to create a sense of confidence in the minds of doctors that their safety concerns will be addressed. The police shall ensure that necessary conditions are in place to guarantee the safety of all doctors, including provisions for separate duty rooms, toilet facilities, and the installation of CCTV cameras," CJI Chandrachud stated.

He further noted that the West Bengal government had, in its affidavit, indicated that funds had already been sanctioned to implement these safety measures. The CJI added that these steps will be monitored by District Collectors to ensure accountability and prompt action.

To encourage the doctors to return to work, the CJI assured them, stating, "To create a sense of confidence, we clarify that if doctors resume work by 5 PM tomorrow, no adverse actions will be taken against them. However, if there is continuous abstention from work despite the facilities being provided, there will be a likelihood of action in the future."

CJI Chandrachud also urged the protesting doctors to return to their duties, remarking, “We understand what is happening on the ground, but doctors must now come back to work. They cannot say that because senior doctors are working, they will not work. We have put everyone on notice."

The hearing highlights the Supreme Court's intervention in addressing the delicate balance between ensuring the safety of medical professionals and restoring essential healthcare services for the public. The court's statements aim to bring an end to the ongoing protest while holding the state accountable for implementing the necessary safety measures to protect healthcare workers.

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