Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 12, 2024, Kolkata: A high-level meeting was convened on Thursday to address pressing concerns regarding the security infrastructure across various hospitals in West Medinipur. The meeting aimed at enhancing security measures in all sub-division hospitals, super-specialty hospitals, and especially Medinipur Medical College, a key healthcare facility in the district.
The meeting was chaired by District Magistrate Khurshid Ali Quadri and attended by prominent officials, including the District Superintendent of Police, the District Chief Health Officer, the Principal and Superintendent of Medinipur Medical College, and the Superintendents of other district hospitals. The gathering underscored the growing need for bolstering hospital security in light of recent incidents and was driven by a mandate to comply with recent court directives on hospital safety and security.
The discussions were centered around enhancing the security framework to address vulnerabilities in the current system. The agenda included several key areas:
Installation of CCTV Cameras: One of the primary points of discussion was the need for a comprehensive CCTV surveillance system across all hospitals. The officials deliberated on the number of CCTV cameras required in different hospital zones, including entrances, emergency wards, outpatient departments, and high-risk areas like Intensive Care Units (ICUs). Medinipur Medical College, being a major healthcare institution, was a focal point, with detailed discussions on the optimal placement and number of cameras needed for round-the-clock monitoring.
Security for Sensitive Areas: The meeting also focused on the safety of sensitive areas such as restrooms, especially those designated for women doctors, and public toilets. Ensuring privacy and safety in these areas was highlighted as a priority. It was decided that additional security personnel might be deployed in these areas, alongside technological measures like motion-sensor lights and emergency alarm systems.
Deployment of Security Personnel: Another critical aspect was the deployment of trained security personnel at strategic points within the hospitals. The need for more female security staff was also emphasized, especially for the safety of female patients and healthcare workers. The idea is to have a balanced team of male and female guards to cater to different security needs across all hospital facilities.
Visitor Management System: To prevent unauthorized entry and potential security breaches, the discussion also included implementing an advanced visitor management system. This would include issuing visitor passes, maintaining digital logs, and conducting mandatory ID checks at all entry points.
Emergency Response and Crisis Management: The meeting highlighted the importance of establishing a robust emergency response system. This would involve regular security drills, training hospital staff in basic crisis management protocols, and setting up quick-response teams to handle emergencies like fire, assault, or other security incidents.
Collaboration with Local Law Enforcement: It was also decided to enhance collaboration with local law enforcement agencies. Regular patrols around hospital perimeters, quick response to distress calls, and better coordination between hospital security and the police were some of the measures proposed.
The officials agreed to draft a comprehensive report based on the discussions, outlining the proposed security enhancements. This report will detail the number of CCTV cameras needed, the locations requiring increased security personnel, and the implementation plan for the new visitor management system. This document will be submitted to the state health department for approval and allocation of necessary funds.
The drive to strengthen security is in compliance with recent court orders that mandate stricter security protocols in healthcare facilities. These orders come in response to a series of unfortunate incidents in hospitals across the state, including assaults on healthcare workers and thefts, raising concerns about the overall safety and security of these institutions.
The meeting concluded with a strong commitment to making district hospitals safer for patients, staff, and visitors. The District Magistrate emphasized the importance of timely implementation of these measures and urged all departments to work collaboratively to enhance security standards. Once the plan is approved, it is expected that the new measures will significantly improve the safety environment in all hospitals across West Medinipur.
The district’s healthcare community is hopeful that these proposed measures, once implemented, will create a safer and more secure environment, ensuring that hospitals remain places of healing and trust.