Enhance security, night patrol at hospitals, Centre tells states

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 28

The Centre on Wednesday urged the states to conduct joint security audits of hospitals with District Collectors and DSPs to review the shortfall and enhance night patrol as part of immediate measures to address the security concerns of health workers.

Following the first meeting of the National Task Force (NTF) on August 27, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra held a meeting with the Chief Secretaries and DGPs and communicated to them that state laws pertaining to the safety of doctors were already in place in 26 states and UTs.

Mohan asked state officials to ensure CCTV cameras were installed at blind spots; extend 112 helpline to healthcare workers; and regulate access to large hospitals.

Chandra encouraged the states to come up with innovative ideas on the security of health workers and suggested that security checks of all hired security and other services staff should be done often. The Directorate of General Resettlement and State Security Corporation could provide security personnel, he said.

The state officials were also asked to conduct routine patrol in all hospitals and medical colleges at night, and that there should be a control room on campuses of health establishments.