The Supreme Court of India observed on 09.09.2024 that the agitating Junior Doctors (PGTs and Interns) on Ceasework are asked to RETURN TO WORK.
Let’s dissect this observation.
PGTs (MD, MS, DM, MCh students) are “trainee doctors”. They are supposed to be engaged in patient care under supervision as a part of their training and academic requirement. They are NOT service doctors appointed by the health department of any government. This is sheer exploitation of the junior doctors on one hand, and neither is in the best interest of the ailing public. Why should the trainee doctors run the show? The State has the primary duty and obligation to appoint sufficient number of general and specialist doctors (with acceptable doctor:patient ratio) to serve the ailing citizens attending hospitals.
It is time to reconcile and to do away with the age-old, unfair and unethical practice of utilising interns and postgraduate trainees as “cheap or free” substitutes for full-fledged, trained, competent doctors and specialists.
This is essential in the best interest of ailing patients. …… Government must appoint sufficient doctors. It is time this is highlighted and we must CONTEST Court’s observation and Government’s stand.
