Health ministry asks state to form ‘Hospital security’, violence prevention committee

In the wake of recent tragic incident of alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at R.G Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, the union health ministry has asked all states and UTs to constitute a ‘Hospital security committee’ and ‘Violence prevention committee’ involving senior doctors and administrative officers to strategize and implement appropriate security measures.

In a letter to Chief Secretary and DGP of all states, health secretary Apurva Chandra has prescribed some immediate measures which can be considered to enhance the security and provide safer working environment for healthcare workers.

“Display of State laws for Healthcare workers protection and relevant sections of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita along with punitive/penalty details in conspicuous places inside the hospital premises in local language and English”, he said in the letter.

He further asked to regulate the access for general public and patient relatives to key areas of the hospital and strict visitor pass policy for patient attenders and relatives.

“Provision for safe movement of resident doctors/nurse within different blocks and hostel buildings and other areas of the hospital during night duties. Ensuring proper lighting inside all areas of residential block, hostel blocks & other hospital premises. ‘Routine Security patrolling’ in all the hospital premises during night time”, read the letter.

The ministry has also asked for setting up of a2417 manned security control room in the hospitals. Establishing close liasioning with nearest police station. Constitution of ‘lnternal committee on sexual harassment’ in the hospital. Taking Stock situation of all CGTV cameras (number and functionality) inside the hospital premises and proceed for necessary implementation/upgradation of the same, he said in the letter.