Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 9, 2024, Delhi/Kolkata: The Supreme Court of India, in a significant directive on Monday, ordered the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of doctors across the country. The Chief Justice, without delving into the specifics of funds allocated to state hospitals, questioned the actual steps that have been implemented within these healthcare facilities. The court has mandated that the state government provide a comprehensive report on the progress made in improving hospital security and infrastructure at the next hearing.
The Supreme Court also instructed that district collectors should be appointed to oversee medical colleges and ensure that adequate steps are taken to address safety and infrastructure concerns. This directive places considerable pressure on the state government to take effective measures to safeguard doctors and health workers while enhancing the overall medical infrastructure. The Supreme Court’s orders have clearly pushed the state to demonstrate tangible efforts in ensuring the safety of healthcare professionals and improving conditions in hospitals.
CBI Back in Action at RG Kar Hospital
Following the Supreme Court’s hearing on the RG Kar Hospital case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has swung into action. The CBI’s Special Crime Branch is actively investigating the alleged rape and murder of a young doctor at the hospital. The agency had earlier submitted its status report to the Supreme Court on Monday, outlining the progress of the investigation. The case is set to be heard again next week.
On the same day, a five-member CBI team, accompanied by central forces, reached RG Kar Hospital around noon. The officers were seen investigating in the emergency building of the hospital, collecting evidence, and interviewing witnesses to uncover the truth behind the heinous crime. As of the time of writing this report, the CBI’s investigation at the hospital was ongoing, reflecting their intensified efforts following the Supreme Court’s directives.
Mounting Pressure and Calls for Justice
Meanwhile, the call for justice in the RG Kar case is growing louder, with protests and movements intensifying across West Bengal. The tragic death of the young doctor has sparked widespread outrage, with demands for justice coming from both the public and various civil society groups. The Supreme Court, recognizing the urgency of the situation, also ordered junior doctors to return to work by Tuesday afternoon, ensuring that hospital services remain uninterrupted amid the ongoing investigations.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee echoed the Supreme Court’s appeal, urging junior doctors to resume their duties following the apex court’s directive. “We must not let this tragedy paralyze our healthcare system. I request all doctors to return to work and continue their service to the people,” said the Chief Minister.
The Road Ahead
The Supreme Court’s stern directives and the CBI’s immediate response mark a critical turning point in the RG Kar Hospital case. With the next hearing scheduled soon, the state government faces the challenge of proving its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of doctors and health workers. The central investigative agency, on the other hand, is expected to accelerate its probe to bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly.
As the investigation progresses, the people of West Bengal, along with the medical community, are closely watching the developments, hoping for swift justice and improved safety standards in hospitals across the state. The RG Kar case has highlighted the urgent need for systemic reforms, and the coming days will be crucial in determining the future course of action by both the state government and the central agencies involved.