Following a Supreme Court directive for better safety and security for healthcare professionals, the Union Health Ministry has issued new guidelines to all states. These measures aim to enhance the safety of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff in hospitals.
Key Recommendations from the Health Ministry
Health Secretary Apurva Chandra has sent a letter to Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police (DGPs) in all states and Union Territories. The letter includes several key recommendations:
1. Hospital Security Committees: Establish committees consisting of senior doctors and administrative officers. These committees will create and enforce strong security protocols.
2. Violence Prevention Committees: Form committees to address and prevent violence against healthcare workers.
3. Internal Committees on Sexual Harassment: Set up committees within hospitals to handle sexual harassment cases.
4. Visitor Pass Policy: Implement a strict visitor pass system to control public access to critical areas of hospitals.
Enhancing Night Shift Safety
Chandra stressed the importance of protecting healthcare staff working late hours. He recommended the following:
– Adequate Lighting: Ensure proper lighting in hospital and residential areas to enhance safety during night shifts.
– Night Security Patrolling: Conduct regular security patrols during nighttime.
– 24/7 Security Control Rooms: Establish round-the-clock manned security control rooms.
– Liaison with Local Police: Maintain close contact with local police stations to ensure quick response if needed.
Next Steps
To monitor the implementation of these measures, a meeting between the Health Ministry, Chief Secretaries, and State DGPs is planned. This meeting will review progress and ensure that the new safety protocols are effectively put into place.
These actions follow the tragic incident of a 31-year-old female resident doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, which has sparked a nationwide call for stronger protections for healthcare workers.