Securing the healers

The Centre’s directive to enhance security in hospitals is a critical response to a growing crisis — the safety of our healthcare workers. The brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College has shocked the nation and underscored the urgent need for comprehensive security measures in medical institutions. This tragedy, among others, has led President Droupadi Murmu to express her deep anguish, calling for society to confront and address the root causes of violence against women.

Hospitals, meant to be sanctuaries of healing, are increasingly becoming dangerous workplaces, particularly during the night shift when security is often insufficient. The Centre’s recommendation for joint security audits, installation of CCTV cameras and extending the 112 helpline to healthcare workers is an essential step towards creating a safer work environment. Routine night patrols, control rooms on medical campuses and strict access controls are also necessary to prevent such heinous acts. Systemic vulnerabilities that make hospitals unsafe must be addressed holistically. However, these measures must be more than reactive. Murmu’s poignant call for ‘honest, unbiased self-introspection’ urges us to recognise the issues that allow such crimes to occur. Comprehensive training of security personnel, regular security drills, and strict visitor protocols are essential. Additionally, the mental wellbeing of healthcare workers, who often work under immense stress, must be prioritised.

The government’s proactive approach in recommending security enhancement is commendable, but the real challenge lies in ensuring effective implementation at the state and institutional levels. As a society, we owe it to our healthcare workers to provide them with a secure environment where they can perform their duties without fear.