Centre asks states, UTs to submit ATR on hospital security

The Health Ministry has called on states and Union Territories to submit an action-taken report on the immediate security measures implemented for doctors and healthcare professionals in medical institutions.

To ensure compliance and sustained progress, these reports are to be submitted by September 10, detailing the immediate and short-term remedial actions taken.

This directive was issued following a virtual conference held to discuss providing safety and security for healthcare workers across the country.

In a letter addressed to Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police (DGPs) of all states and union territories, Health Secretary Apurva Chandra reiterated the urgency of reinforcing security protocols in light of recent incidents and the subsequent order from the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court, on August 22, 2024, directed state governments and Union Territories to ensure the implementation of basic security requirements in all medical institutions. This order came in response to the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, an incident that led to nationwide protests by resident doctors.

In response to the Court’s directive, Health Secretary Chandra issued a set of instructions to Chief Secretaries and DGPs, emphasising the immediate need to strengthen safety measures in medical facilities.

He noted that several states have already begun implementing the recommendations dated August 23, 2024, and acknowledged that some have taken additional steps beyond the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s guidelines.

In his letter, Chandra highlighted key security measures discussed during the August 28, 2024, meeting.

These include:
Identification of high-risk establishments: States and Union Territories must identify hospitals with high footfalls and prioritise them for security improvements.

Security audits: Hospitals are required to conduct security audits in collaboration with local health and police authorities to assess and enhance existing security measures.

Focus on high-risk areas: Special attention should be given to areas with a higher incidence of security breaches, such as emergency rooms, triage areas, intensive care units (ICUs), and labour rooms.

CCTV surveillance: Hospitals must ensure CCTV cameras’ installation and proper functioning, particularly in high-risk areas. These cameras should be monitored regularly from a central control room.

Integration with local police: A protocol for quick sharing of video footage of any untoward incidents with local police should be established to facilitate a swift response and investigation.

Security personnel: The deployment of technically trained security personnel, including ex-servicemen, in high-risk areas is encouraged. Robust background checks for all outsourced and contractual hospital workers are also mandated.

Internal security committees: Hospitals must form internal security committees with active involvement from residents and students. These committees should have clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for responding to incidents.

Additional measures: Hospitals are encouraged to implement further measures, such as bereavement protocols for handling grief situations, deploying patient facilitators for patient-related activities, and engaging volunteers or social workers to guide patients through hospital processes. CNBCTV18