Shift patients, shutdown hospital: Calcutta high court lambasts state machinery over RG Kar Medical College vandalism
Times of India | 16 August 2024
KOLKATA: The Calcutta high court has expressed grave concern over the recent act of vandalism at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
The court questioned the state's ability to provide a secure working environment for doctors, emphasizing that such incidents create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among healthcare professionals.
In its observations, the court pointed out the 'absolute failure of state machinery' in preventing the attack on the hospital, which resulted in the destruction of critical medical equipment.Top Picks For YouKolkata hospital horror: 'It will hurt my daughter if I accept compensation for her death'Kolkata hospital horror: '5 arrested in RG Kar Hospital vandalism through social media feedback'Kolkata doctor rape-murder: Post-mortem report highlights brutal assault, confirms multiple injuries, signs of struggleKolkata doctor death: Who is Sanjay Roy? Civic volunteer arrested in RG Kar Hospital rape-murder caseThe judges stressed that such incidents have a severe impact on the morale and confidence of doctors and hospital staff.
The high court's criticism highlights the urgent need for the state to take concrete steps to ensure the safety and security of medical personnel. The court emphasized that it is the responsibility of the government to create an environment where healthcare professionals can carry out their duties without fear of violence or intimidation.
The judges called for immediate and effective measures to be put in place to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The high court questioned why the police were unaware of the large crowd of 7,000 people that had assembled, expressing surprise that law enforcement had no knowledge of such a significant gathering.
The court also expressed its unhappiness about the mob's rush to cause destruction and vandalism, seeking to understand the reasons behind the crowd's urgent need to engage in violent and damaging behavior.
The court also said its better to shift patients from RG Kar Medical college and Hospital and shut it down.