Central govt increases security in hospitals by 25% after Kolkata rape-murder

Following the tragic event at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital, where a trainee doctor was brutally raped and killed, the central government has increased security in hospitals across India. The Union Health Ministry has announced a significant boost in security measures across all central government hospitals, vowing to increase security arrangements by 25%. This move aims squarely at ensuring the safety of healthcare professionals throughout the country.

The endeavour to improve security is part of a bigger effort to keep hospitals safe. It also boosts their accessibility to the public. Unlike tightly guarded institutions, hospitals are intended to be welcoming to those they serve. To achieve this delicate balance the ministry plans to deploy security marshals based on individual assessment of each hospital’s security needs.

This project is in reaction to recent nationwide rallies demanding more safety for healthcare practitioners. Violence against healthcare personnel is severe crime under current laws in 26 states and union territories. However government has indicated that tragedy at RG Kar Hospital was not connected to typical patient-doctor conflicts that these measures are supposed to minimize. This raises worries about effectiveness.

To address these concerns, Health Ministry will convene a panel. It will be led by the Directorate General of Health Services. This committee will conduct a detailed investigation of numerous hospital operational concerns. They will focus on security protocols the state of duty rooms, staff working conditions and quality of services provided in hospital canteens. The objective is to enhance overall working conditions for healthcare personnel. This will enable them to perform their duties in safer and more supportive situations.

Government Takes Action to Enhance Hospital Security

Moreover government is actively encouraging doctors to conclude their ongoing strikes. It highlights the negative impact these actions have on patient care. Interruptions in medical services affect immediate health outcomes for patients. They also undermine public trust in healthcare system.

In a significant move, Indian Medical Association has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They urge him to fast-track the introduction of a comprehensive federal law that would enforce more rigorous security standards at hospitals. The proposed legislation would designate hospitals as “safe zones.” It would implement mandatory security measures to protect both medical staff and patients.

The call for enhanced legal protections comes amid growing concerns about safety of medical personnel across India. The initiative reflects a critical recognition by government of the need to safeguard those on the front lines of healthcare. It ensures that they can work without fear of violence or harassment.

As the government confronts these issues hope is that these new measures will result in a safer, more secure workplace for healthcare workers. This allows medical professionals to focus on what they do best caring for their patients’ health and well-being. This comprehensive plan is expected to address immediate security concerns. It will also set the groundwork for long-term improvements in hospital safety and healthcare worker protections around the country.

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