AIIMS doctors extend gratitude to SC for setting up task force to look into working conditions of doctors

AIIMS doctors extend gratitude to SC for setting up task force to look into working conditions of doctors
Image source: ANI

New Delhi, India: After the Supreme Court constituted a National Task Force that will make recommendations on the prevention of violence and safe working conditions for medical professionals, the Resident Doctors' Association of AIIMS, New Delhi, extended its sincere gratitude to the apex court.

In a press release on Wednesday, the Resident Doctors' Association of AIIMS, New Delhi said that they will provide OPD services from Jantar Mantar on Wednesday to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to patient care.

"The Resident Doctors' Association of AIIMS, New Delhi, extends its sincere gratitude to the Supreme Court for its Suo Motu Cognizance and recent verdict concerning RG Kar MC&H and related issues. We appreciate the Court's attention to the pressing issues affecting our healthcare professionals," the release said.

"In response to the Court's ruling and ongoing concerns, we have convened our GBM held on 20/8/2024, at 2 PM and 8 PM, which decided to continue the strike in the majority. This action includes suspending academic activities, elective OPDs, ward services, and OT services while maintaining emergency services, ICUs, emergency procedures, and emergency OT," it added.

"To express our solidarity with the residents of RG Kar MC&H, Kolkata, and to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to patient care, we will provide OPD services from Jantar Mantar starting from 11:00 am onwards. This move highlights our dedication to serving patients despite the current challenges" the release said further.

RDA AIIMS also urged for enhanced safety measures for healthcare professionals given the persistent and escalating violence against them.

"We urge for enhanced safety and security measures for healthcare professionals, given the persistent and escalating violence against us. Our collective action calls for immediate attention and the implementation of an ordinance to ensure the safety and security of all workers. We stand united in our demand for justice and comprehensive protection for healthcare professionals," the release added.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday constituted a 10-member National Task Force to make recommendations on the prevention of violence and safe working conditions for medical professionals. The task force includes Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, among others.

Days after the rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata sparked nationwide protests, the apex court suo motu took up the case and directed the task force to submit an interim report within three weeks and a final report within two months.

The court said the Task Force would also prepare an action plan to prevent gender-based violence and ensure a dignified working space for interns, residents, and non-resident doctors.

The top court also asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file a status report on the status of the investigation in the rape case. The court asked the West Bengal government to file a status report on the mob attack incident in the RG Kar hospital on August 15.