Mumbai: In a move to ensure the safety and security of patients, doctors, and hospital staff, the BMC has decided to introduce 'Security Control Rooms' in major and suburban hospitals. The decision was taken during a special meeting held on August 20 between Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar and the delegation of Medical Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) organization.
The meeting was convened in response to the protests and demands made by MARD following the incidents regarding doctors at various hospitals in the city. The corporation has also assured that it will take immediate action on the demands made by the delegation within the next two weeks.
Speaking at the meeting, Abhijit Bangar emphasized that there should be no compromise on security measures in hospital premises. He directed that all facilities, from clean toilets to adequate lighting, should be provided to doctors and staff. "The hospital authorities themselves should ensure that the hospital premises will be under full CCTV surveillance. Create a complete CCTV camera control room and appoint persons to handle it 24 hours a day. Arrangements should be made for storage and additional backup of this CCTV coverage”, said Bangar.
Neurologist from Bombay Hospital Dr Varsha Patil said, “Security control rooms are an absolute necessity in any organization, particularly in hospitals where the safety and well-being of patients are paramount. The efficacy of these systems is undeniable, but it is imperative that we exercise extreme vigilance to prevent any misuse. To ensure that this is the case, I firmly believe that female personnel should be stationed in the security room. Furthermore, the surveillance should not be limited to hospital premises alone, but extended to hostels as well, particularly common areas such as bathrooms, which are utilized by both hospital staff and visitors. This is crucial to prevent unauthorized access. It is essential that no staff member, regardless of their role or duty, be deployed without undergoing rigorous police verification. This is a non-negotiable requirement that must be strictly adhered to. We must be proactive in our approach to security and take every necessary measure to prevent any potential threats or vulnerabilities."
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Dr Dilip Nikam ,Cancer specialist and HOD of Bombay Hospital said, “I firmly believe that the security control rooms is a crucial necessity. The fact that some patients travel from distant cities to seek medical care makes them vulnerable to exploitation, and it is imperative that we take proactive measures to ensure their safety. The presence of CCTV cameras will not only deter potential perpetrators but also instill a sense of fear and accountability in those who would seek to do harm. Although this technology is basic, it is lamentable that we are only now being provided with this essential security feature. It is a stark reality that our society often reacts only after tragic incidents like the one in Kolkata have occurred, and it is our responsibility to prevent such dangers from happening in the future. As healthcare professionals, it is our duty to ensure that all staff, doctors, and patients feel safe and secure within our hospital walls."
The Additional Municipal Commissioner also emphasized the importance of conducting regular audits of how security officers performed their role after an incident or situation. He also instructed the security department to verify that adequate security arrangements will be available in required patient rooms.
The corporation has also directed hospital heads to ensure that no hospital staff, including security guards, doctors behave in an abusive manner while giving priority to patient care. "Hospital heads should also ensure that no hospital staff, including security guards, doctors behave in an abusive manner while giving priority to patient care," he said.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Sanjay Kurhade, Director Medical Education and Chief Hospital Neelam Andrade, CEOs of all major hospitals, and Chief Security Officers.
