Odisha government unveils comprehensive security plan for medical institutions following national outcry

The Odisha government has introduced a comprehensive security plan to ensure the safety of doctors, students, and healthcare workers across all medical institutions in the state. The new measures, outlined in a notification by the Health Department, mandate the installation of CCTV cameras at strategic points, including on each floor of hostels, main gates, and roads within medical facilities.

Control rooms will be set up to monitor CCTV footage, which must be stored with at least three months of backup. The plan also includes round-the-clock deployment of both male and female security guards in outpatient departments (OPDs) and outside wards. In cases of violence against students, the notification requires an FIR to be lodged within six hours and immediate police action. A report on the incident must be sent to the National Medical Commission (NMC) within 48 hours.

Institutions are also directed to issue dress codes and ID cards for employees and implement a visitors’ pass system. Each patient will be allowed two entry passes, one for visiting hours and another for an attendant to access the ward. The plan also calls for the establishment of a police outpost at all state-run medical colleges and hospitals, with at least one female officer present at all times.

Signage displaying the legal consequences of violence under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Odisha Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, 2008, will be prominently placed in front of these institutions.

This move follows the tragic rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The incident sparked nationwide protests, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced security in medical institutions, especially for women doctors and students.

With these new measures, Odisha is taking a firm step toward safeguarding its medical community, addressing a growing concern for safety in hospitals.

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