Sources within the institution have disclosed that the security department maintains a log documenting unusual incidents captured by CCTV cameras
The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh is grappling with a shortage of security personnel, a critical concern for an institution of its stature. Currently relying on a combination of 558 outsourced security staff and 118 permanent members, the institution finds itself lagging behind other renowned medical facilities such as AIIMS in Delhi, which boasts a robust security team comprising approximately 3000 guards.
In response to the pressing issue, an official from PGI has revealed that a proposal to recruit an additional 350 security guards has been submitted. This matter has been raised multiple times to attract potential hires, underlining the urgency and significance of addressing the shortfall. PGI’s director, Dr. Vivek Lal, has affirmed that the issue of security shortages will be presented on the standing finance committee agenda.
Sources within the institution have disclosed that the security department maintains a log documenting unusual incidents captured by CCTV cameras. Notably, a significant portion of these entries revolves around instances of guards missing from their assigned duty points.
Speaking anonymously, a security guard shed light on the delicate balance between maintaining strict security protocols and adopting a humane approach in a hospital setting. Instances where individuals are allowed into wards without entry passes due to forgetfulness during medication or tests highlight the nuanced challenges faced by security personnel.
The security framework at PGI relies heavily on both security guards and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras. However, recent fire incidents in the Nehru hospital building have left 50% of the cameras non-functional, exacerbating the shortage of security staff.
Consequently, patients and their attendants have become susceptible to thefts, bringing attention to the issue. A recent incident where an unidentified woman administered an unknown injection to a patient in the septic labour room (SLR) ward on the third floor of Block-D underscored the gravity of the situation. The patient’s attendant attributed the incident to the absence of security guards, prompting the family to point fingers at PGI’s security infrastructure.
A PGI official revealed that the control room overseeing 198 cameras, located in the Nehru hospital building, faces challenges as a significant number of cameras remain inoperable due to the recent fire incident. However, efforts are underway to restore functionality, with 21 cameras already repaired.
Moreover ,various departments within PGI have their independent CCTV cameras, ensuring continuous surveillance. The Trauma Centre, Advanced Paediatric Centre, and Nehru Hospital Extension house 64, 39, and 64 cameras, respectively, all under 24×7 monitoring.
In response to inquiries, the official spokesperson of PGI, Dr. Vipin Kaushal, acknowledged that certain cameras in the Nehru hospital building are currently non-operational due to the recent fire incident but assured ongoing efforts to repair and reinstate them. The institution remains committed to addressing these security challenges to ensure the safety and well-being of patients, staff, and visitors alike.
