Hyderabad, September 3, 2024: In a significant move to bolster the safety of healthcare professionals, particularly women doctors and nurses, the Telangana government has announced the establishment of police outposts in all teaching hospitals across the state. This decision, which makes Telangana the first state in the country to implement such a measure, was made following a review meeting held by Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narsimha with officials from the Home Department on Monday. The initiative comes in the wake of the recent horrifying rape incident in Kolkata, which has raised serious concerns about the safety of women in healthcare facilities.
Key Security Measures:
As part of the new security measures, the state government will link the CCTV systems in all Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and hospitals with local police stations. This step aims to ensure real-time monitoring and quick response to any incidents that may occur on hospital premises. Additionally, night patrolling by She Teams—special police teams focused on women’s safety—will be organized to further enhance security, particularly for women healthcare professionals.
The Telangana Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act 2008 was also reviewed during the meeting. The Health Minister directed officials to draft guidelines to ensure effective night patrolling and to provide protection to hospital staff, especially women doctors and nurses. The state has already constructed police outposts in ten teaching hospitals, with plans to expand this to all hospitals. Each hospital will also be required to have a designated security house.
Private Security Agencies and SOPs:
The Health Minister emphasized the need for private security agencies employed by hospitals to have recognition under the Private Security Agency Regulation Act (PSAR) 2015. This move is aimed at ensuring that the security personnel are adequately trained and regulated. The Minister also instructed officials to prepare standard operating procedures (SOPs) for hospital security, which will be implemented across all healthcare facilities, from PHCs to area hospitals.
Formation of Safety Committees:
In line with the Supreme Court’s guidelines on the safety of women in the workplace, the Health Minister urged hospital managements to form safety committees at both the state and district levels. These committees will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of security measures and addressing any safety concerns raised by healthcare staff. The Minister has set a deadline of September 14 for officials to submit a detailed report on the progress of these initiatives.
Legal Measures and Fast-Track Courts:
The meeting also discussed the registration of cases related to violence against doctors and nurses under Act No. 11 of 2008. The Health Minister requested a report on the number of cases registered so far and called for the establishment of fast-track courts in the state’s ten erstwhile districts. These courts will expedite the legal process, ensuring that cases involving violence against healthcare professionals are resolved swiftly and justice is served.
The Telangana government’s proactive approach to enhancing security in hospitals is a direct response to the growing concerns about the safety of healthcare professionals, especially in light of recent incidents. By implementing these measures, the state aims to create a safer and more secure environment for those who work tirelessly to care for the public.
