Junior Doctors in the RG Kar Case Agree To End "Cease Work," But Only If Mamata Govt.

 On Friday, the Supreme Court began hearing the Kolkata rape and murder case, with discussions resuming on Tuesday morning. Representing the West Bengal government, senior advocate Kapil Sibal informed the court that no "punitive action" would be taken against the doctors protesting in response to the tragic rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate medical student at Kolkata's state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Junior Doctors in the RG Kar Case Agree To End "Cease Work," But Only If Mamata Govt.

During the hearing, the protesting junior doctors, who had been abstaining from work, conveyed to the court their willingness to resume duties under certain conditions. Their return to work was contingent on the implementation of confidence-building measures previously discussed with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in a meeting on September 16. This statement was made by senior advocate Indira Jaising, who represented an association of junior doctors before a Supreme Court bench composed of Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, Justice J.B. Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra. The court, hearing the suo motu case, decided to adjourn the matter, postponing further proceedings for one week.

Junior Doctors' Demands:

The junior doctors, while expressing their willingness to return to work, have also appealed for comprehensive reforms in their workplace. Their demands are aimed at improving both their professional environment and personal well-being. These demands include the following:

1. Formation of Broad-Based Monitoring Committees: They have requested that every hospital establish comprehensive monitoring committees. These committees would include members from various sectors within the hospital, such as administration, academia, nursing, and medical staff, to ensure a more holistic and effective oversight process.

2. Confidential Grievance Redressal System: A key part of their demands is the creation of a confidential system for handling complaints and grievances. This system would allow students and doctors to safely raise their concerns and have them addressed in a timely and effective manner.

3. Internal Complaint Committees for Sexual Harassment: The junior doctors have also urged the formation of internal complaint committees, in accordance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013. These committees would specifically address issues of sexual harassment within the hospital environment.

4. Counseling Centers with Qualified Professionals: Another significant aspect of their appeal is the establishment of counseling centers in every hospital. These centers should be staffed with qualified professionals, particularly those specializing in psychiatry and psychology, to offer mental health support to staff members.

The junior doctors believe that these measures will not only create a safer and more supportive working environment but also ensure their mental and emotional well-being as they continue to serve in high-stress healthcare settings.