Lagatar24 Desk
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian announced the phased introduction of a patient attendant tag system across all government medical colleges, district headquarters hospitals, and taluk hospitals. This move follows the assault on Dr. Balaji Jagannathan, a senior oncologist at Kalaignar Centenary Super Speciality Hospital (KCSSH), by the son of a cancer patient he had treated.
The tag system, initially piloted at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH) in October, is designed to limit crowding and enhance the safety of healthcare staff. The decision was influenced by recent incidents, including the tragic assault and murder of a postgraduate medical student at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata.
Phased Implementation of Tag System
The Directorate of Medical Education, along with the Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services, will oversee the implementation in 36 government medical colleges, 37 district headquarters hospitals, and 320 taluk hospitals. The tag system includes four colour-coded tags:
•Green for surgical super specialities
•Red for Intensive Care Units
•Yellow for super speciality departments
•Blue for general wards
Each patient will receive two tags for their attendants, ensuring controlled access to hospital areas. Additional security measures, such as metal detectors and baggage scanners, will also be piloted at select hospitals.
Strengthening Security and Public Trust
Minister Subramanian highlighted increased public trust in government healthcare facilities, noting a rise in patients previously treated at private hospitals now seeking government care due to improved infrastructure and doctor reliability. He also mentioned the expansion of pay wards to 15 government hospitals, making healthcare more accessible to middle-income patients.
Joint Security Audits and Infrastructure Improvements
Following the incident at RG Kar Medical College, Tamil Nadu’s health directorates have coordinated with the police to conduct joint security audits across all government medical institutions. These audits ensure operational CCTV cameras, adequate lighting, and bolstered police presence at hospitals.
“These initiatives underscore our commitment to safeguarding healthcare professionals and maintaining public trust in our healthcare system,” said Minister Subramanian.
