[Doctors Strike] Hold High Level Stakeholder Meeting To Address Hospital Specific Concerns: Madhya Pradesh High Court To State Govt

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the state government to hold a high level stakeholder meeting to address the issues raised by the Junior Doctors Association in the state, in a plea pertaining to a proposed strike announced by the association in connection with the rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkatta earlier this month.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf in its August 27 order took note of the response filed by the Junior Doctors Association of the State to the petition. The court noted that while certain issues were "sub judice" before the Supreme Court however certain issues including Transport for Duty Doctors, State Grievance Committee, CCTV and Lighting, Alarm System and Rapid Response, Police Chowki are "hospital specific".

The bench thereafter said, "Accordingly, the State Government is directed to file a response to the said issues raised by the Junior Doctors Association and the steps proposed to be taken to redress the said grievances.The State Government is also directed to have a High Level meeting of the stakeholders to expeditiously respond to the issues highlighted by the Junior Doctors Association and file a status report before the next date of hearing". The matter is next listed on September 10.

The court was hearing a petition filed by one Anshul Tiwari concerning the safety and working conditions of junior doctors across the state. This plea was filed in response to an impending strike announced by the Junior Doctors Association of Madhya Pradesh, as a repercussion of the tragic rape and murder of a resident doctor in Kolkata. The strike, initially planned for August 16 aimed at seeking stricter safety measures for doctors on duty.

On August 16 the High Court had taken cognizance of the notice of strike by doctors, medical students, and related medical organizations in the state. The court had earlier urged the Junior Doctors Association to withdraw their strike notice, while assuring them that their concerns would be heard and addressed promptly.

Case title: Anshul Tiwari Vs The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Counsel For Petitioner: Advocate Abhishek Pandey

Counsel For State: Additional Advocate General H.S. Ruprah

Counsel for Junior Doctors Association: Senior advocate Samdarshi Tiwari and advocate Palash Upadhyay

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