Despite SC's appeal, Bengal docs won't back off

During the suo motu hearing in the Kolkata hospital rape-cummurder case, the Supreme Court on Thursday voiced its concern over the 'inhuman working hours' of resident doctors all over the country.

The 3-judge bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud flagged the hectic work schedules, so that the matter can be addressed by the National Task Force which is mandated to recommend uniform safety protocols for medical professionals.

But despite the Apex Court's assurances, doctors in West Bengal said they will continue their protest. They were unmoved by the court's assurance that "no stringent action" would be taken against them.

However, the resident doctors at Delhi's AIIMS hospital have heeded the appeal and called off their nearly two-week-long strike.