NTF received recommendations for safety of doctors
National Task Force: The Supreme Court constituted a National Task Force in the case of rape and murder at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. The NTF has started receiving several recommendations for the safety of doctors present in hospitals across the country. To this end, several sub-groups of the NTF are preparing effective recommendations to address issues of concern related to safety, working conditions and welfare of physicians.
Conditions and locations within the hospital are being assessed, separating departments and locations based on the potential for instability and violence. Areas like emergency room and ICU are being given special attention. These areas are most vulnerable to violence and need extra security to deal with any untoward incident.
Recommend installing a freezing unit
NTF is considering several steps to ensure proper security in medical institutions. A system will be set up for screening of baggage and persons at each entrance of the hospital. So as to ensure that weapons cannot be carried inside the medical institution. For this, it is recommended to install a searching unit.
It is also recommended to take steps to prevent intoxicated persons from entering the hospital premises under any circumstances. An exception is made that if the intoxicated person is a patient, he should be admitted to the hospital. At the same time, special training should be given to security personnel on hospital crowd management.
Separate rest room for ladies
In each department, separate rest rooms and duty rooms should be provided for (a) male doctor, (b) female doctor, (c) male nurse, (d) female nurse and (e) common rest area. For this the room should be ventilated, have adequate bed space and drinking water facility. Access to these rooms should be restricted by installing security devices.
A biometric system has been installed in the hospital
A proper biometric system should be installed to ensure that every person can access everywhere in the hospital. Appropriate technological interventions are required to control access to critical and sensitive areas in the hospital, including the use of facial recognition. Adequate lighting should be ensured at all places in the hospital and if the hospital is affiliated to a medical college, at all places in the premises. CCTV cameras should be installed at all entry and exit points of hospitals and in corridors leading to all patient rooms.
Transport arrangement from hostel to hospital
One of the NTF recommendations is that if the hostel or room of the medical professionals is far from the hospital, transportation should be arranged for those who want to travel from their place of stay between 10 pm and 6 am. Also, the recommendations include organizing workshops on dealing with grief and distress for all staff in medical institutions, including doctors, nurses and assistants.
Formation of Personnel Security Committees
Doctors, trainees, residents and nurses in every medical institution have been asked to conduct a quarterly audit of institutional safety measures. It has also been advised to form employee safety committees for this. Also, it has been recommended to set up police posts according to the number of patients coming to the medical facility, the number of beds and the facility.
Prevention of sexual violence against medical professionals
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Prevention) Act 2013 applies to hospitals and nursing homes. According to the provisions of the law, all hospitals and nursing homes should constitute an internal grievance committee. Must perform the duties listed under Section 19 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Prevention) Act, 2013. Also, ensure that every institution has a helpline number for medical professionals, which is open 24 x 7.
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