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In a bid to address the growing concerns over the safety and security of doctors and healthcare workers, the Union Health Ministry has proposed a series of measures, including the deployment of ex-servicemen as security personnel in high-risk hospital areas. This initiative, born out of a recent consultation on hospital safety, aims to provide a safer environment for medical professionals, who have been increasingly vulnerable to violence and threats in recent years.
The Health Ministry's recommendations, detailed in a letter to all State and Union Territory Chief Secretaries, stem from a Supreme Court directive to improve hospital security. The eleven outlined measures call for a multi-pronged approach, encompassing both physical security enhancements and a shift in cultural attitudes towards healthcare workers. The Ministry has mandated that stakeholders submit an action taken report by September 10th.
The Ministry's focus on high-risk areas within hospitals, such as emergency rooms, triage areas, intensive care units, and labor rooms, reflects a deep understanding of the challenges faced by healthcare workers. The incidence of security breaches is often higher in these high-pressure environments. To combat these risks, the Ministry recommends comprehensive security audits, conducted in conjunction with local health and police authorities, to identify vulnerabilities and implement appropriate safeguards. The importance of CCTV cameras, particularly in these high-risk zones, is also highlighted. The ministry underscores the need for a manned-central control room to monitor the CCTV footage effectively.
Beyond physical security measures, the Ministry emphasizes the need for cultural change within hospitals. The letter to the Chief Secretaries underscores the importance of establishing bereavement protocols, given the heightened emotions often experienced by grieving family members following a patient's death. Doctors and healthcare workers need to be equipped with the necessary skills and protocols to navigate these sensitive situations. The Ministry also advocates for the creation of internal security committees within healthcare establishments, actively involving residents and students to develop clear protocols for incident response.
The Health Ministry's recommendations are not merely suggestions; they are a direct response to the growing demand for a safe work environment for healthcare professionals. The tragic incident in Kolkata last month, where a postgraduate physician was brutally murdered, served as a stark reminder of the risks these individuals face. The Ministry's proposed measures, if implemented diligently and with a genuine commitment to improving safety, have the potential to create a more secure environment for healthcare workers, allowing them to focus on providing quality patient care without fear.
Source: Employ ex-servicemen, State security forces in high-risk areas of hospitals: Health Ministry