Health ministry seeks action-taken report from hospitals on Kolkata incident

The union health ministry has sought an action taken report from State governments and Union Territories on the steps taken to enhance security and safety measures in hospitals for doctors and healthcare workers. The action taken report is to be submitted by September 10.

In a letter to the State governments and UTs, health secretary Apurba Chandra said, some States have already initiated additional measures over and those suggested by the ministry. “….all States and Union Territories are requested to take an action taken report of the immediate / short term remedial measures already initiated as well as appropriate action taken before September 10,” read the letter.

In view of recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor in RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata that sparked-off country-wide protests, the ministry had suggested all hospitals and healthcare centers across the country to identify high risk establishments, security audits, focus on high risk areas, CCTV surveillance, integration with local police, technical training of security personnel, setting up of internal security committees in hospitals among others.