Bhubaneswar: The Health & Family Welfare Department of the Odisha government has announced a new set of comprehensive policy guidelines aimed at enhancing security for doctors, students, and medical staff across healthcare and educational institutions in the state. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure a safe and respectful working environment within these critical facilities.
Key Security Measures Unveiled
The newly issued guidelines include several key measures to strengthen security protocols:
- Perimeter Security: All healthcare institutions must have boundary walls with clearly defined entry and exit gates. Public and vehicle access will be regulated to prevent unauthorized entry.
- ID Cards and Dress Code: Employees are required to carry ID cards at all times. Dress codes, where applicable, must be strictly enforced to maintain a professional environment.
- Visitor Management: A visitor pass system will be introduced, restricting entry to indoor patients to two attendants per patient during official visiting hours. Attendants will be subject to security checks and must wait in designated areas outside the wards.
- Security Deployment: Male and female security guards will be stationed around outpatient departments (OPDs) and outside wards 24/7. They will patrol the premises and manage unauthorized vehicles or vendors.
- CCTV and Surveillance: CCTV cameras will be installed at strategic locations, including hospitals and hostel premises, with continuous monitoring by a control room. Footage will be stored for a minimum of three months.
- Safety Measures for Women: Secure parking, well-lit streets, and safe transport options will be provided for women doctors, employees, and students working night shifts.
- Public Redressal System: A grievance system will be established, with contact numbers prominently displayed for attendants to reach the head of the institution with any concerns.
- Police Outposts: Government medical college hospitals will feature a police outpost with at least one female police officer on duty at all times.
- Emergency Response Plan: Institutions are required to develop comprehensive emergency response plans, including panic buttons, emergency phones, and apps to address any threats promptly. A dedicated phone line will be set up in the main security control room for emergency reporting.
- Workplace Culture: Institutions will promote a respectful workplace environment with a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or bullying. Counseling and support services will be available for medical staff and students.
- Incident Reporting and Action: Any incidents of violence against medical students will be investigated promptly. An FIR will be lodged within six hours, and a report will be submitted to the National Medical Commission (NMC) within 48 hours.
- Monitoring Committee: Each institution will establish a Monitoring Committee, chaired by the institution head, to conduct monthly reviews of security measures.