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| Photo: STAR |
In our national dailies news items were published-- 'Nurse complains of abuse'. Apart from this, many other types of crimes are committed in hospitals, like kidnapping of newborn babies, thefts and robberies. Such a state of affairs in both government and private hospitals in the country clearly shows that security in hospitals is neglected. Similarly, the administration of a hospital, as well as its authority, lacks concern and knowledge regarding security requirements.
Here are some suggestions for the relevant ministry and departments:
A security department should be established in every big or small hospital/clinic and a security officer having knowledge of hospital security with necessary staff should be appointed.
Hospital/clinic security policies, including anti-sexual harassment policy and infant abduction response plan, should be formulated and made known to all employees of the hospital/clinic.
Hospital/clinic security standing orders should be prepared and read, understood and signed by every hospital employee for strict compliance.
A vigilance committee should be formed in every hospital/clinic and a system should be evolved for intelligence gathering and feedback from each department and ward of the hospital/clinic about the person found or suspected to be involved in immoral activities.
A critical security survey / risk assessment of the hospital/clinic should be carried out from time to time to determine the weak areas and perceived threats to hospital/clinic and employees, especially to the women employees.
Internal and external areas of the hospital should be covered by close circuit television surveillance cameras with videocassette recorder to monitor any undesirable/criminal activities inside or around the hospital.
Emergency alarm, panic buttons and public address system should be installed in all the departments of the hospital/clinic to alert the security in case of any emergency.
Interior of hospital/clinic building should be patrolled by security staff to observe and check any undesirable/criminal activity and also for responding to an emergency.
Moreover, hospital/clinic emergency department should notify any criminal acts, so that proper measures can be taken and criminals do not go unpunished.
