In a significant development in the Kolkata doctor rape and murder case, medics from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have called off their 11-day strike after the Supreme Court’s appeal and assurances. The apex court, taking suo motu cognizance of the brutal incident at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College, urged protesting doctors nationwide to return to their duties, promising that no punitive measures would be taken against them upon resumption.
The court’s intervention comes amidst growing concerns about the safety of medical professionals across India, a sentiment echoed by the justices who emphasized the importance of ensuring a safe working environment. “If women cannot go to work and be safe, we are denying them the basic right to equality. We have to do something,” the bench stated, reflecting deep concern over the security lapses that led to the tragic event.
The unrest began after a female trainee doctor was found murdered with severe injury marks inside the seminar hall of the hospital’s chest department on August 9. The prompt arrest of a civic volunteer by Kolkata Police did little to quell the agitation among the medical community, leading to widespread protests demanding better protection for healthcare workers.
In response to the crisis, the Supreme Court has established a National Task Force tasked with formulating guidelines to bolster the safety of healthcare personnel. Additionally, a CBI investigation into the horrific crime is currently underway, aiming to bring clarity and justice to the unsettling case.
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Adding to the institutional responses, the West Bengal Health Department has made significant changes at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. In line with demands from the student body, the department dismissed Suhrita Pal, the newly appointed principal and Head of the Chest Department, along with an Assistant Superintendent. Manas Kumar Bandyopadhyay has been appointed as the new principal in an effort to restore order and confidence among the hospital’s staff and students.
