Maharashtra conducts security audit, promises upgrades in response to rising concerns from resident doctors over safety at public hospitals
In the wake of growing concerns over workplace security following alleged rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata, Maharashtra’s medical education department on Monday said that it has conducted a comprehensive security audit of its medical institutions.
The audit, carried out by the Maharashtra police, has led to recommendations for increased security measures and the installation of additional CCTV cameras, which have been communicated to the Maharashtra Security Force for implementation, according to State Medical Education Commissioner Rajeev Nivatkar.
The Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER), which oversees 18 medical colleges across the state, convened a meeting with health officials and representatives of the Maharashtra State Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) to address these pressing safety concerns. The primary focus was on enhancing security in areas where postgraduate students and resident doctors work, with plans to increase the number of security personnel in these zones. Additionally, the security around hostels and quarters for female students will be strengthened.
On Saturday, Dr Pallavi Saple, Dean of the JJ Group of Hospitals, directed medical superintendents to inspect the on-call rooms of resident doctors across state-run health institutes. She emphasised the importance of submitting reports on any necessary security improvements by Monday.
MARD representatives highlighted the issue of non-functional CCTV cameras, stressing that it is not only crucial to install these cameras but to ensure they remain operational. They also indicated that MARD will be submitting additional suggestions for CCTV installations and other security enhancements.
Their demands include fully functional CCTVs, well-equipped security guards, improved hostels, and proper on-call rooms, particularly at institutions like JJ Hospital, which already provides separate on-call rooms for male and female residents.
