In response to recent tragic events and the Supreme Court's directive to ensure healthcare professionals' safety, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has urged central government-run hospitals to bolster their security measures. This move comes following the rape and murder of a resident doctor at Kolkata’s R G Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.
The Ministry has addressed a letter to several central government-run healthcare institutions, including the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). This letter emphasises the need for enhanced security to protect healthcare workers on hospital premises.
The ministry's letter outlines long-standing concerns regarding the vulnerability of government hospitals to unauthorised access, compared to their private counterparts. It advocates for a security strategy that balances accessibility with effective protection for patients, staff, and the overall integrity of the facility.
Key recommendations in the letter include the installation of high-resolution CCTV cameras in crucial areas, increasing the number of security guards, and prominently displaying the penal provisions of state legislation designed to prevent violence against healthcare workers.
A control room should be established at each facility for rapid response to emergencies, staffed by hospital administration personnel alongside security staff.
Furthermore, the ministry has stressed the need for comprehensive staff training. It is crucial that all hospital personnel, from doctors and nurses to administrative staff, are well-prepared to recognize and respond to security threats.
The letter also highlights the necessity for secure and well-equipped duty rooms for female healthcare professionals. It advises that female staff working night shifts should be deployed in groups and be escorted while on duty. Additionally, secure transport arrangements should be made for their night-time movement.
In addition to security measures, the ministry has emphasised the importance of better patient management and coordination to handle the high volume of visitors effectively.
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