The Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) has petitioned the Supreme Court of India with an intervention application, seeking interim protection for doctors until the recommendations of the National Task Force (NTF) are fully implemented. This move comes in response to the Supreme Court’s suo motu cognizance of the tragic rape and murder of a doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal. On August 20, the Court had established a national task force to provide recommendations aimed at enhancing the safety and security of healthcare professionals nationwide.
FAIMA’s application requests that the Supreme Court issue immediate directions for interim measures to safeguard doctors until the NTF’s detailed recommendations are put into effect. The federation has expressed deep respect and gratitude to the Supreme Court for taking proactive steps in this matter and has called for urgent action to address the safety concerns facing medical professionals.
The application outlines several key interim measures FAIMA believes are crucial for improving doctor safety. These include the installation of CCTV monitoring in sensitive areas, compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, which mandates 24/7 emergency distress call facilities, and ensuring a balanced doctor-to-bed ratio for those on extended shifts. The federation argues that the implementation of these measures should begin immediately, as the NTF’s comprehensive recommendations may take several months to finalize.
Represented by General Secretary Dr. Rishiraj Sinha and filed through advocate Tanvi Dubey, FAIMA’s intervention application emphasizes the severe safety issues faced by healthcare workers, especially women doctors, at reputed institutions. The application states that unsafe working conditions violate doctors’ fundamental right to a safe work environment, highlighting the increasing risk to their personal safety, particularly during night shifts.
FAIMA further demands the deployment of trained security personnel and the establishment of clear protocols for responding to violent incidents. The application also calls for the inclusion of a representative from Resident Doctors in the NTF to ensure that the perspectives and concerns of those directly affected are considered. Additionally, FAIMA urges the Supreme Court to mandate all states to strictly adhere to the NTF’s recommendations and specify the consequences for non-compliance.
The association has requested that the Court set a specific timeline for the implementation of the NTF recommendations and direct states and hospitals to provide a safe and dignified working environment for doctors. The application underscores the urgent need for immediate action to address the growing safety concerns within the healthcare sector, advocating for systemic changes to protect those who work on the front lines of medical care.
FAIMA’s intervention aims to ensure that the Supreme Court’s actions lead to tangible improvements in the working conditions of doctors and to provide them with the security they need to perform their critical duties without fear.