United Doctors Front suspends strike following court directive

Kolkata rape case: United Doctors Front Association (UDFA) called off nationwide strike.

New Delhi:

The United Doctors Front Association (UDFA) has called off a nationwide strike protesting the rape and killing of a trainee doctor in Kolkata following a Supreme Court directive on Thursday.

“In response to the proactive and reassuring directives of the Supreme Court, the UDFA has decided to suspend the ongoing national strike. This decision is rooted in our unwavering commitment to patient care and our confidence in the judiciary’s ability to address the pressing concerns of the medical fraternity,” a UDFA statement said on Thursday.

UDFA expressed its gratitude to the superior court for recognizing the seriousness of our concerns and taking prompt action. The UDFA also stressed the urgent need for a Central Protection Act (CPA) to provide comprehensive legal safeguards for healthcare professionals.

“UDFA remains vigilant and is committed to advocating for this critical legislation, which is critical to the long-term security of India’s physicians,” the statement said.

On August 22, the Supreme Court directed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to engage with the Chief Secretaries and Director Generals of Police of all states and Union Territories. The directive includes an unequivocal mandate for state and union territory governments to lay down and enforce minimum safety standards in all medical facilities.

The apex court has assured that no adverse action will be taken against the doctors who participated in the protests before this decision. He also trained the installation of CCTV cameras and emergency call systems in medical facilities. The Court also affirmed the role of the UDFA as a key stakeholder in the ongoing National Working Group discussions.

The Supreme Court imposed strict deadlines for action. The Union Health Ministry, along with state authorities, must complete the consultations within a week, followed by prompt implementation in the next two weeks.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and also comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra gave these directions while hearing the suo motu petition it initiated following the rape and murder of an intern doctor at State-run RG Kar Medical. College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal on 9th August.

Earlier, doctors of Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, All India Institutes of Medical Sciences, Indira Gandhi Hospital and several other hospitals ended their strike following the apex court’s directive.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)