The letter comes in the wake of the rape and murder of a 31-year-old resident doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. | PTI
Amid the Supreme Court’s order for the formation of a task force to ensure safety of healthcare professionals, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday wrote to centrally run healthcare institutions, including the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), advising them to enhance the safety of all healthcare personnel in their facilities.
The letter comes in the wake of the rape and murder of a 31-year-old resident doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9.
The Ministry’s letter highlighted long-standing concerns about the greater vulnerability of government hospitals to unauthorized entry compared to private hospitals, and suggested security measures to counter the potential risk of violence against health workers.
“While accessibility is important for the delivery of care, it can also pose safety risks,” the letter states. It highlights that the need of the hour is to take a comprehensive approach to safety that balances accessibility with effective measures to protect patients, staff and the integrity of the facility.
The security plan outlined by the Ministry includes the installation of high-resolution CCTV cameras at strategic locations, the employment of more security guards and the proper display of relevant criminal provisions of state legislation to prevent violence against health workers on hospital premises.
“A control room should be set up at the institute to respond quickly to any emergency situation, with a person from the hospital’s administrative staff stationed there along with security personnel,” the letter added.
The Ministry also stressed the importance of staff training, stating that all hospital staff, including doctors, nurses and administrative staff, must be equipped with appropriate skills to recognize and respond effectively to security threats.
The ministry has asked all central government-run institutions to provide an adequate number of “well-secured” emergency rooms with basic amenities for female health professionals.
“The deployment of female health professionals at night should preferably be done in more than one group. They should be escorted within the premises while on duty and adequate arrangements should be made for their safe transportation in case they are moved during the night,” the letter added.
The letter also addressed the need for better patient facilitation and coordination to help manage the high volume of visitors at government hospitals.
First published: August 20, 2024 | 15:28 IS
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