In response to ongoing protests by its doctors, AIIMS Delhi has announced plans for a comprehensive security audit of the hospital. The protests were sparked by the tragic rape and murder of a woman trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, which has led to widespread demands for enhanced security measures.
Dr. Rima Dada, the spokesperson for AIIMS, confirmed on Wednesday that the hospital’s director, M Srinivas, has pledged to improve safety and security for its staff.
To address these concerns, two committees have been established. One committee will focus on immediate issues raised by the protesting doctors, while a collaborative internal security audit is planned to ensure long-term improvements.
Dr. Dada emphasised that the director has urged the protesting Resident Doctors Association to resume their duties, as their absence is significantly affecting patient care. AIIMS serves approximately 18,000 to 20,000 patients daily, and their disruption has created considerable difficulties for those in need of medical attention.
To enhance safety, AIIMS is implementing several measures. These include installing additional lighting and secure locks in doctor’s rooms, increasing the number of security guards to 2,900, and upgrading surveillance with AI-enabled CCTV cameras. These new cameras are designed to identify and monitor suspicious individuals, particularly at entry and exit points.
The tragic death of the post-graduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9 has ignited nationwide protests among doctors and medical professionals.
The victim's family alleges that she was both raped and murdered, prompting the Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) to seek judicial intervention.
On August 21, FAIMA filed an intervention application with the Supreme Court, requesting interim protection for doctors until the National Task Force (NTF) recommendations are fully implemented.
This application follows the Supreme Court’s suo moto cognizance of the incident and its subsequent formation of a task force to address safety and security issues for healthcare workers nationwide.
FAIMA expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court for addressing the matter and for issuing directions on August 20. They have called for interim measures to safeguard doctors until the NTFs recommendations are enacted.
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