In response to the recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has mandated heightened security protocols across central government hospitals, including AIIMS.
The ministry’s directive calls for the installation of high-resolution CCTV cameras, creation of emergency response control rooms, and deployment of trained security personnel. It also emphasizes the need for stricter entry and exit controls, including mandatory identification badges and limitations on patient attendants.
Staff training is a crucial aspect of the new security measures, with a focus on preparing hospital personnel to recognize and address security threats effectively. Regular security drills and updated emergency response plans are also required.
Additional measures include enhanced safety protocols for female healthcare workers, including secure facilities and transportation, especially for those on night shifts. The ministry also seeks improved patient facilitation to manage visitor volume more effectively.
The Supreme Court of India has responded by forming a national task force to address doctor safety nationwide. Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) continues its investigation into the RG Kar Medical College incident.