The indefinite strike by junior doctors across India, sparked by the alleged rape and murder of a fellow medic at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, remains unresolved. The strike, which has led to disruptions in outpatient and elective services, persists despite Supreme Court intervention.
Former Solicitor General Harish Salve weighed in on the situation, emphasizing the crucial role of a politically independent police and civil service in maintaining democratic integrity. Salve expressed concern that the erosion of faith among the educated medical community could pose a threat to democratic values.
“The police were once free from political interference. Civil service and police are fundamental to democracy,” Salve stated. He also criticized the ongoing unrest, stressing that if the educated class loses confidence in democratic institutions, it undermines the Constitution.
In response to the unrest, the Supreme Court has formed a 10-member National Task Force to develop protocols for the safety and security of healthcare professionals. The court has urged striking doctors to resume work, highlighting the impact on patients in need of medical care.
