Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: In the wake of recent violent incidents, including the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra has directed all states and Union Territories (UTs) to submit reports on the implementation of safety and security measures for doctors and healthcare workers by September 10.
This directive comes after a recent Supreme Court order that stressed the urgent need for effective actions to protect medical professionals across India. In a letter to the chief secretaries and directors general of police of all states and UTs, Chandra thanked them for their participation in a video conference held on August 28, where the provision of a secure working environment in medical institutions was extensively discussed.
Key Security Measures Outlined
In his communication, Chandra highlighted several key security measures that states and UTs should prioritize. These include identifying high-risk hospitals, conducting security audits, implementing CCTV surveillance, performing background checks, and establishing bereavement protocols.
The health secretary emphasized the importance of categorizing hospitals with high patient footfall as high-priority establishments for enhanced security measures. He recommended regular security audits, in coordination with local health and police authorities, to evaluate and improve current security protocols in these hospitals.
Special focus should be placed on areas within hospitals that are vulnerable to security breaches, such as emergency rooms, triage areas, intensive care units (ICUs), and labour rooms, Chandra stated.
He also stressed the need for proper training and the establishment of bereavement protocols for all doctors and healthcare workers to handle situations involving intense and emotional grief effectively.
Chandra noted that several states have already initiated measures in response to a previous communication from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare dated August 23. He acknowledged that some states have gone beyond the ministry’s recommendations, implementing additional steps to bolster security in healthcare settings.
The Centre’s push for urgent security enhancements in hospitals aims to ensure the safety of medical professionals and prevent further incidents of violence in healthcare institutions.
