Continuous measures are being taken by the Health Ministry on the issue of safety of doctors and medical staff in the country. After the incident of rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata Medical College, a National Task Force was formed by the Supreme Court in which decisions will be taken regarding the safety of doctors. The first meeting of the National Task Force (NTF) was held on Tuesday. In which it was decided that a meeting will be held with all the states and their suggestions will be considered and there will be a discussion on the safety of doctors in each state. In this regard, on Wednesday, all the Chief Secretaries as well as. the State A meeting was held with the DGPs to discuss their preparedness to implement the measures in all the hospitals in their states. Some things that can be considered to improve safety and provide a safe working environment for healthcare workers include state laws for the protection of healthcare workers and relevant sections of the Indian Justice Code along with details of penalties/punishments displayed in the local language and English at prominent places inside the hospital premises.
Formation of a “Hospital Security Committee” and a “Violence Prevention Committee” composed of senior physicians and administrative officials, who will take appropriate security measures. Be strategic and implemented. Regulate access of the general public and patients’ relatives to key areas of the hospital.
These special measures taken for the safety of doctors and medical staff
Strict pass policy for visitors/relatives of patients.
Arrangement for safe movement of resident doctors/nurses to different blocks and hostel buildings and other areas of the hospital during night duty.
To ensure adequate lighting in all areas of the hospital premises including residential blocks, hostel blocks and others.
Conduct “regular security patrols” of hospital premises at night.
Establish 24/7 human security control rooms in hospitals.
Establish close liaison with the nearest police station.
Establish an “Internal Committee on Sexual Harassment” in hospitals.
Take stock of the status of CCTV cameras (number and functionality) inside the hospital premises and carry out the necessary implementation/upgrade.
At RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, Calcutta. and the murder of a doctor, the Supreme Court has constituted a National Task Force to ensure the safety of healthcare workers. The Supreme Court had directed the Task Force to submit its interim report within three weeks and the final report within two months.
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