Kerala Govt directs MCHs to complete security audit

Thiruvananthapuram: Enhancing security in hospitals and making them safer for employees, Health Minister Veena George has instructed the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) to finish security audits in medical colleges across the state within five days.

A meeting was held to discuss the security arrangements of the employees and the government medical college hospitals (MCHs), where the Principals and Superintendents of all medical colleges participated. Several measures have been taken by the Minister to create a patient-friendly environment at the hospitals.

During the meeting, the Minister instructed to install security alarms at all institutions within 15 days. She said a gap analysis of the existing security arrangements in all MCHs should be conducted, and alarms should be installed in those that lack them. Moreover, public address systems should be installed in the MCHs on a priority basis.

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In light of the violence and attacks against the doctors and the hospital staff, the Minister has asked to enhance the full security of healthcare workers at all costs to avoid any such incidents in the future. Briefing rooms for giving out the details of patients to family members waiting outside should be readied at all institutions, reports TH .

Taking note that the security personnel at the hospital often arrives late when the doctors are in danger, the Minister said that the efficiency of the security staff should be put to the test. Additionally, a mock drill has been directed to be conducted for the security systems at all hospitals to ensure their efficiency.

Secretary of Medical Education Rathan Kelkar, Director of Medical Education Thomas Mathew and the Principals and Superintendents of all medical colleges participated in the meeting.

Only one bystander will be allowed with a patient in inpatient wards and two persons will be allowed with a patient in the emergency departments. One phone number assigned to hospital security systems should be displayed in the hospital and shared with all staff. Maintaining a cordial environment in hospitals is important, along with patient-friendly systems.

It was suggested that a single-point entry and exit be maintained in hospitals as part of the security arrangements. Walkie-talkie systems will be provided to security officials. Corridors should be well lit and security officers should patrol the hospital premises.

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