Security Concerns in Bengal Hospitals: CM Holds Emergency Meetings to Address Safety Issues

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 18, 2024, Kolkata: Following the shocking incident at RG Kar Medical College, concerns about the security of hospitals across West Bengal have escalated, prompting widespread demands from junior doctors for enhanced safety measures. In response to growing pressure, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee convened a high-level meeting on Friday to address the urgent issues of hospital security and patient services in the state’s medical institutions.

The meeting, held with Chief Secretary Manoj Pant and Health Secretary Narayanswaroop Nigam, focused on reviewing current security arrangements and improving patient services in medical colleges and hospitals. Sources indicate that the government is taking the situation seriously, as further discussions have been scheduled for later in the day.

In today’s preliminary discussions, the installation of CCTV cameras in all medical colleges and hospitals was a key topic. The chief secretary and health secretary also reviewed the progress of various security initiatives. The meeting, held at the Chief Minister’s Kalighat residence, sought to expedite security upgrades and safeguard both patients and medical professionals.

A follow-up meeting is set to take place this afternoon at the state secretariat, Nabanna, where senior officials from the Health Department, including hospital superintendents and Chief Medical Officers of Health (CMOH), are expected to participate. The session will focus on finalizing the action plan for tightening security across the state’s hospitals.

Amidst these developments, the Bengal government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the state’s healthcare infrastructure. An allocation of ₹100 crore has been made for the improvement of medical colleges and hospitals. This funding will be directed towards not only security measures but also enhancing patient services and referral systems.

The RG Kar incident has clearly highlighted the vulnerabilities in the state’s healthcare facilities, and today’s meetings are seen as a crucial step towards addressing the concerns raised by medical staff. The outcomes of these discussions will be closely monitored, as the government seeks to reassure both the medical community and the public of its commitment to safety and healthcare excellence.

PTI: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a review meeting with Chief Secretary Manoj Pant and Health Secretary NS Nigam at her Kalighat residence on the upgradation of healthcare infrastructure, a well-placed source said. Mamata, in the meeting which lasted for nearly 45 minutes on Thursday evening, enquired about security infrastructure at various state-run medical colleges and hospitals, he said. 

"The CM sought to be updated about the status of work being undertaken to upgrade the infrastructure regarding safety and security at different hospitals. She also gave the Chief Secretary and the Health Secretary necessary instructions," the source told news agency PTI. After the meeting, the Chief Secretary called for a meeting of principals and MSVPs of all the state-run hospitals on Friday, the official said, adding that it would be held at the state secretariat Nabanna.

West Bengal has been on the boil following the rape and murder of an on-duty woman doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. Junior medics have been holding fast-unto-death since October 5 demanding justice for the deceased doctor as well as upgradation of security infrastructure at medical establishments across the state. They are also demanding the immediate removal of Nigam. 

Their other demands include the establishment of a centralized referral system for all hospitals and medical colleges in the state, the implementation of a bed vacancy monitoring system, and the formation of task forces to ensure essential provisions for CCTV, on-call rooms, and washrooms at their workplaces. 

They are also demanding increased police protection in hospitals, recruitment of permanent women police personnel, and swift filling up of vacant positions for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers.

The junior doctors went on a 'cease work' following the rape and murder of the medic at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. They ended their 'cease work' stir after 42 days on September 21 following assurances from the state government to look into their demands.