The federal government directs states to strengthen hospital security protocols

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To stop violence against doctors and to protect their safety, the Center on Wednesday ordered the states to implement night patrols, security assessments of district hospitals, and access controls to large medical facilities.

Virtual Gathering with Important Representatives

Chief secretaries and director generals of police (DGPs) attended the virtual meeting, which was co-chaired by secretaries of the Union ministries of health and home.

The National Task Force on Healthcare Safety and Health

The ten-member National Task Force (NTF), which was established by the Supreme Court, convened for the first time the day before this meeting to establish a policy for the protection and safety of healthcare workers. The task team made the decision to consult with other stakeholders more broadly.

Reaction to Order of the Supreme Court

An official source stated that the meeting was held in response to the Supreme Court's order from August 22 to guarantee that certain fundamental minimum safeguards are implemented by state and union territory governments (UTs) while the NTF report is being received. The meeting was held to address the doctors' concerns regarding their safety at work.

UT and State Governments' Security Protocols

The representatives from the state and UT administrations briefed the Center during the meeting on the measures they had taken to improve security and create a safer working environment for healthcare professionals in public and private hospitals, medical schools, and other healthcare facilities.

Important Security Measures Talked About

The source continued, "These included joint security audits at government district hospitals and medical colleges by district magistrates, the superintendent of police along with the dean or director of these institutions; police verification of contractual and outsourced employees working in government hospitals; and the provision of chief security officers in hospitals and medical colleges."

Extra Security Improvements Under the direction of the Center

The Center also asked officials from the state and union territory administrations to see to it that blind spots have CCTV cameras installed, that the revised locations under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) are displayed, and that the "112" helpline for medical personnel in busy hospitals is integrated.