Haryana Orders Tighter Security Measures for Medical Colleges

The Haryana government has issued a comprehensive security advisory for medical colleges and hospitals across the state. This move comes in the wake of a recent tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, where a doctor was raped and murdered.

Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary for Medical Education and Research, outlined several key measures in the advisory: 

1. Police Posts: Every government medical college must establish a police post within its premises. These posts should be operational 24/7 and include at least one female police officer at all times. 

2. CCTV Surveillance: Cameras must be installed at crucial locations such as hostel exteriors, main gates, roads, roundabouts, and throughout hospital and college buildings. A control room for security personnel should monitor these cameras continuously, with footage stored for at least three months. 

3. Access Control: The advisory recommends implementing secure authentication systems like ID badges, keycards, or biometric scanners for all staff. During night hours, only authorized personnel should be allowed in certain areas. 

4. Emergency Response: Colleges are directed to develop a clear emergency response plan. This includes installing panic buttons, emergency phones, and potentially mobile apps for quick communication during crises. 

5. Regular Security Patrols: The advisory emphasizes the need for constant vigilance through regular security patrols and safety audits to identify and address potential risks. 

6. Liaison with Local Police: Medical colleges are instructed to maintain close contact with their nearest police station, Station House Officer (SHO), and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). 

7. Secure Infrastructure: The directive also calls for ensuring secure streets, parking areas, and transportation facilities within medical campuses. 

8. Limiting Attendants: While not elaborated on in the advisory, there's a mention of limiting the number of attendants, likely referring to patient visitors or companions.

These measures aim to create a safer environment for healthcare workers, students, and patients. By implementing multiple layers of security, the Haryana government hopes to prevent incidents similar to the one in Kolkata and boost confidence within medical institutions.

The advisory reflects a proactive approach to addressing security concerns in the medical sector. However, implementing these measures will require significant effort and resources from medical colleges and hospitals across the state.

As these new security protocols are put into place, it will be important to monitor their effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments. The success of this initiative in Haryana could potentially serve as a model for other states to follow, leading to improved security in medical institutions nationwide.

This decisive action by the Haryana government underscores the importance of protecting healthcare workers and maintaining a safe environment for medical education and patient care. It also highlights the need for constant vigilance and adaptation in the face of evolving security challenges in the healthcare sector.