Safety of Doctors, Medical staff: UP Govt issues guidelines to hospitals

Lucknow: In response to growing concerns over the safety and well-being of healthcare workers after the alleged rape and murder of a PG trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College, the Uttar Pradesh government has issued 21-point guidelines to ensure the protection of resident doctors and other medical staff, especially women during the night shift at government medical colleges and hospitals in the state. 

The guidelines, issued by Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, emphasize the state's "zero tolerance" policy toward crime, aligning with Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, which guarantee every citizen the right to equality, non-discrimination, and a dignified life.

The letter was addressed to KGMU, SGPGI, Kalyan Singh Super Speciality Cancer Institute and Hospital and Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, all autonomous and state medical colleges.

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This initiative draws lessons from the tragic death of a doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College where her body was found in the seminar hall on August 9, with the autopsy report showing signs of rape and murder.

Enhanced Security Measures

To ensure a safe working environment, the guidelines mentioned the need for increased security measures at all government medical colleges, autonomous medical institutions, and hospitals.

"Every hospital should have a hospital security committee and a committee to stop violence that should comprise senior doctors who can analyse the need and make security protocols," stated the letter. 

The guidelines also mandate the installation of CCTV cameras at all entry and exit points, as well as corridors, which will be under the surveillance of the control room staff. It stated that hospitals would be required to arrange for "regular security patrolling" of the entire premises during night hours. In addition, the guidelines direct medical colleges and hospitals to set up police outposts according to the bed strength and number of patients admitted.

“Entry of patients and attendants should be regulated in key areas of medical establishment campuses and a strict pass system be in place for attendants. The security of resident doctors should be ensured between hostels and hospitals, particularly during nighttime. There should be proper illumination in these areas while night patrol should also be ensured on the campus,” added the letter, as per HT report.

Moreover, medical institutions have been directed to engage the Uttar Pradesh Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation Limited to supplement security personnel, enhancing the overall safety of the premises.

Immediate Action on Violence and Harassment

A key provision in the guidlines is that medical institutions must lodge First Information Reports (FIRs) in the event of violence against any health worker, without waiting for a formal complaint from the victim. 

Further, the guidelines call for the creation of an Internal Complaints Committee to address cases of sexual harassment under the Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act of 2013. 

As per TOI news report, another significant measure is the mandatory police verification and screening of all staff hired on a contract basis.

Recognizing the need for health workers to manage the emotional stress of dealing with bereaved families, the guidelines recommend that hospitals and medical institutions organize workshops to train staff in effective communication and crisis management. 

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