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What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: In light of recent incidents that have shocked the nation, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Government of NCT of Delhi, has taken suo moto cognizance of the alarming safety conditions faced by doctors.
Following these events, the DGHS has issued an urgent advisory to all medical directors and superintendents across the capital’s hospitals, urging immediate action to enhance security measures and protect healthcare professionals.
The advisory mandates the formation of a security committee in each hospital, led by the Medical Director or Superintendent, and including senior doctors, representatives of resident doctors, and nurses.
This committee is tasked with creating a comprehensive security plan that must incorporate the “Code Violet” protocol—a standard response to incidents of violence within healthcare facilities. The plan is to be shared with local law enforcement authorities, ensuring coordination between hospitals and police for rapid response to any threats.
A significant focus of the advisory is the protection of doctors working in vulnerable areas, particularly in casualty and emergency services.
The advisory emphasises the necessity of implementing strict access controls to safeguard doctors from potentially aggressive patients’ families or attendants.
Additionally, the DGHS has directed that any instance of violence or threats against healthcare workers be reported to the police within six hours, as per the Delhi Medicare Service Personnel and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, 2008.
Failure to comply with this directive will require the concerned medical authority to justify the DGHS.
The advisory also outlines the need for high-resolution CCTV surveillance, deployment of well-trained security personnel, and the installation of adequate lighting in hospital premises, especially in areas where female healthcare professionals are on duty.
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Moreover, hospitals are encouraged to conduct regular mock drills, provide security training to all staff, and enforce strict identification protocols for visitors.
These measures aim to foster a culture of safety within hospitals, ensuring that healthcare professionals can perform their duties without fear of violence.
The DGHS stressed the importance of proactive management and the establishment of crisis intervention teams to handle emergencies effectively.
The urgent release comes as part of a broader effort to address the systemic challenges in healthcare security, following the recent tragic events that have underscored the need for immediate and comprehensive action.
