States to Report Healthcare Security Measures by September 10
In a crucial move to safeguard healthcare professionals across the country, Health Secretary Apurva Chandra has instructed all states and Union territories to submit their 'Action Taken Reports' by September 10. These reports will focus on the security measures implemented for doctors and healthcare workers in various institutions following recent incidents of violence and threats.
This directive was issued after a video conference held on August 28, where key points on ensuring workplace safety were discussed with health officials from different states. The meeting came in response to the Supreme Court's order, passed on August 22, which called for urgent action to ensure the protection of healthcare professionals.
Key Points of the Security Measures:
- Identification of High-Risk Areas: States are required to identify healthcare facilities that are more vulnerable to security breaches.
- Security Audits: Regular audits must be conducted to assess the preparedness of these institutions.
- Focus on High-Risk Zones: Special attention must be paid to high-risk zones within hospitals such as emergency wards and ICUs.
- CCTV Surveillance: All high-risk areas must have functioning CCTV cameras, and their integration with local police is essential.
- Security Personnel Deployment: Trained security personnel should be deployed in hospitals and health centers, particularly in high-risk zones.
- Establishment of Security Committees: Hospitals are encouraged to establish committees to regularly review and update security protocols.
- Healthcare Workers' Role: Doctors and healthcare professionals are urged to adhere to bereavement protocols to reduce the risk of conflict with patients' families.
Context of the Directive:
This call for heightened security comes in the wake of a horrifying incident in Kolkata, where a resident doctor was brutally raped and murdered, sparking nationwide outrage and protests from the medical fraternity. The Health Secretary’s letter emphasized the urgent need to ensure that such incidents do not happen again and that healthcare workers feel safe in their workplace.
The Supreme Court had also emphasized the creation of dedicated security frameworks for healthcare workers, involving both health officials and local law enforcement. This initiative aims to ensure a safe working environment for those who are often at the frontline, risking their lives to save others.
The 'Action Taken Report' will be discussed in detail in the next meeting with all relevant stakeholders, and further steps will be planned based on the findings.
By implementing these steps, the government aims to foster a secure and peaceful environment in hospitals and health centers across the country. These measures are seen as a step in the right direction towards ensuring the safety of healthcare workers who have been essential in the country’s fight against health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
