Kerala Health Minister Veena George spearheaded a crucial high-level meeting on Wednesday to address and enhance safety and security measures within the state’s medical colleges. This decisive action comes in the wake of a nationwide outcry following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, which has raised significant concerns about security in healthcare settings across India.
During the meeting, Minister George laid out a comprehensive set of directives aimed at improving the safety and security of both medical staff and patients. A key measure is the prohibition of unauthorized stays within hospital compounds after dark. To enforce this, she instructed the Director of the Medical Education Department to carry out rigorous space audits in all medical colleges. These audits will be conducted under the supervision of Principals, Superintendents, and Heads of Departments to ensure strict adherence to safety protocols.
The meeting also focused on the need for regular safety audits across several critical areas, including security, fire safety, and electrical systems. Emphasis was placed on the inspection of duty rooms, restrooms, and other essential areas to ensure they meet established safety standards. This includes evaluating infrastructure and security measures to address any potential vulnerabilities.
One of the significant points of discussion was the implementation of the Code Grey protocol. This alert system is designed to notify hospital staff of dangerous individuals or criminal activities within the premises. The Code Grey Committee, chaired by the District Collector and comprising representatives from various hospital departments, will oversee the execution of this protocol. The committee will also be responsible for ensuring regular mock drills and the installation of essential security equipment, such as public address systems, walkie-talkies, alarms, and CCTV cameras in strategic areas of the hospital.
Minister George highlighted the urgent need for heightened security measures, particularly for women employees. She emphasized that street lights must be fully operational, and night-time security monitoring should be intensified to provide a safe environment for those returning to their hostels after late shifts. Additionally, the meeting addressed issues related to unauthorized parking of ambulances and illegal activities within hospital grounds, calling for increased police intervention to address these concerns effectively.
The minister also acknowledged and addressed concerns raised by PG doctors and house surgeons regarding their safety and working conditions. She instructed medical colleges to explore practical solutions to these issues, stressing the importance of addressing their specific needs and ensuring their safety.
Furthermore, Minister George emphasized the need for comprehensive training for security personnel and the implementation of a system to assign unique identification numbers to employees. This measure aims to enhance overall security by ensuring that all personnel can be effectively monitored and identified.
These measures collectively reflect a proactive and multifaceted approach to addressing security concerns within Kerala’s medical colleges, aiming to create a safer and more secure environment for both staff and patients.
Â
