Centre suggests measures to enhance security at hospitals

• Ministry lists 11 measures to improve hospital safety, such as video footage sharing for speedy police response, background checks of contract staff, CCTV coverage, bereavement protocols

Highlights:

• The Union Health Ministry has proposed the use of ex-servicemen as security personnel in high-risk hospital areas to improve safety for doctors and healthcare workers.
• This initiative comes in the wake of increasing concerns over workplace safety following a tragic incident in Kolkata where an on-duty physician was assaulted and killed.

Key Security Measures Proposed

1. Utilization of Ex-Servicemen and State Security Forces

• The Ministry suggested engaging ex-servicemen and personnel from State security forces to enhance hospital security in areas identified as high-risk. These areas include emergency rooms, intensive care units, triage areas, and labor rooms, where the potential for security breaches is higher.

2. Collaboration with Local Police:

• Hospitals with high footfall have been classified as high-priority establishments for security enhancements. The Ministry urged healthcare institutions to integrate with local police forces, ensuring swift access to video footage of incidents involving healthcare workers.
• This integration will help in quick investigations and timely responses to security threats.

3. Background Checks and Protocols:

• Healthcare establishments must conduct thorough background checks on outsourced and contractual workers to ensure safety.
• Additionally, protocols for video monitoring through CCTV cameras in high-risk areas must be established and monitored regularly from a central control room.

Addressing Bereavement Situations

• Training for Doctors and Healthcare Workers:
• Recognizing that patient deaths often heighten tensions among family members, the Ministry has emphasized training healthcare workers in handling emotionally charged situations.
• Establishing bereavement protocols will help reduce the risk of conflicts and ensure a calmer environment for both families and medical staff.

Further Recommendations:

• Security Audits and Internal Committees
• The Ministry has called for regular security audits in consultation with local health and police authorities to assess vulnerabilities. Hospitals should form internal security committees involving residents and students to develop clear incident response protocols.

Deployment of Patient Facilitators:

• To further improve the hospital environment, the Ministry recommended employing patient facilitators, volunteers, and social workers to assist in managing crowds and offering support during emergencies.

Prelims Takeaways:

• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare