In the wake of the tragic incident involving the rape and murder of a woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has led the Odisha government to introduce a sweeping new policy. The new measures, effective from September 19, aim to ensure a safe workplace environment for doctors, students, and other healthcare professionals across healthcare and health education institutions. This policy encompasses several key areas, from perimeter security to promoting a culture of respect, intending to fortify the safety and well-being of medical staff.
Establish Perimeter Security
All healthcare institutions must now implement a solid perimeter boundary wall, equipped with clearly defined entry and exit gates. This measure is designed to regulate the flow of the general public and vehicles, thus preventing the misuse of health institution premises as thoroughfares. By restricting access points, these institutions aim to maintain a controlled and secure environment, significantly reducing unauthorized entry.
The regulation adheres to a strict protocol where only verified personnel and visitors, identified through a robust identification system, can enter the premises. This step is vital to minimizing the risk of unauthorized individuals gaining access to sensitive areas, ensuring that only those with legitimate reasons are allowed within the healthcare facilities. Such regulations are expected to create a tangible line of defense, enhancing the overall safety and operational efficiency of the institutions.
Identification Protocols
To fortify security further, all employees and workers within health institutions will be issued ID cards. Additionally, where applicable, strict adherence to dress codes will be mandated. To manage visitor access, a visitor pass system will be enforced, allowing only two entry passes per patient for their visitors, restricting visits to official visiting hours. Security personnel will be responsible for frisking attendants at the ward entry points to ensure they do not carry any dangerous or objectionable items.
These identification protocols aim to streamline the verification process, making it easier to spot unauthorized individuals swiftly. By restricting the number of visitors and performing rigorous checks, healthcare institutions hope to mitigate potential security risks effectively. This method not only ensures the safety of the patients and staff but also contributes to a more organized and controlled visitor flow, enhancing the overall safety and functionality of the medical environment.
Designated Waiting Areas
To further manage the movement of visitors, attendants will be required to wait in designated waiting zones outside the wards. They will be permitted to visit patients only during official visiting hours set by the Medical Superintendent. These visiting hours must be clearly stated on the visiting passes and displayed prominently around the hospital or medical college premises.
By designating specific waiting areas, the institution can better control the influx of visitors, ensuring that patient care is not disrupted and the wards remain secure. This measure also aims to reduce overcrowding within wards, thus maintaining a more conducive environment for patient recovery and staff performance. Displaying visiting hours prominently ensures that visitors are well-informed of the guidelines, minimizing confusion and potential security breaches.
Assign Security Personnel
The new policy also mandates the posting of security guards across all outpatient departments (OPDs) and outside wards around the clock. There will be a conscious effort to post both male and female security guards, ensuring a balanced and effective security presence. These guards will patrol the campus regularly, taking appropriate measures to remove unauthorized vehicles and vendors. Security hubs may also be established near high-case load departments, with contact details displayed prominently through signage.
The presence of security personnel across the healthcare institutions serves as a deterrent against unlawful activities. Their continuous patrolling ensures a vigilant watch over the premises, quickly addressing any security concerns. This proactive approach not only safeguards the staff and patients but also reassures the families and visitors that the institution prioritizes their safety. By providing visible contact points, the institution makes it easier for anyone on the premises to report security issues promptly.
Install Surveillance Systems
Surveillance is another cornerstone of the new policy. CCTV cameras are to be installed at strategic locations around the hospitals, including outside all hostels, main gates, roads, stairwells, and other key points on campus. A control room staffed with security personnel will operate 24/7 to monitor the CCTV footage, which should have at least three months of recording backup. Well-lit parking areas, sufficient street lighting, and safe transportation options for women working night shifts are also mandated.
These surveillance measures aim to create a comprehensive security network that can be monitored and managed around the clock. The strategic placement of CCTV cameras ensures that all critical areas are under constant surveillance, deterring potential wrongdoers and enabling quick responses to any suspicious activities. Well-lit and secure parking areas, along with safe transportation options, specifically aim to protect women professionals, acknowledging their vulnerability during night shifts and enhancing their overall safety and confidence.
Develop Public Redressal System
To address grievances efficiently, a public redressal system will be developed. This system will allow aggrieved attendants to contact the Superintendent or Head of the institution directly, rather than resorting to violence. The phone number for this service will be displayed prominently on the campus. Moreover, health institutions will be required to maintain a close liaison with the nearest police station’s officer-in-charge. It is recommended to have police outposts within government medical colleges, with at least one female police staff on duty at all times. Regular safety audits will be conducted to identify and address potential security risks.
By establishing a direct line of communication for grievances, the policy aims to defuse potentially volatile situations before they escalate. This system ensures that concerns are addressed promptly and constructively, fostering a more supportive and secure environment. The collaboration with local law enforcement further strengthens this initiative, ensuring that professional and effective responses are available at all times. Regular safety audits provide an ongoing assessment of security measures, allowing for continuous improvements and timely interventions.
Establish Facilities
The new policy also ensures the availability of duty rooms and washrooms for both male and female doctors and nurses in all wards. An emergency response plan will be developed for all institutions, featuring panic buttons, emergency phones, mobile apps, and other tools to respond quickly to threats and emergencies. Institutions are encouraged to set up a specific emergency contact number in the main Security Control Room for reporting any urgent issues.
By providing designated duty rooms and washrooms, the policy acknowledges the basic needs of healthcare professionals, ensuring they have appropriate facilities within the workplace. The emergency response plan, complete with advanced tools and designated contact points, aims to enable a rapid and effective reaction to any threat. This comprehensive approach to emergency preparedness reassures staff that their safety is taken seriously and that there are mechanisms in place to protect them in crisis situations.
Encourage Respectful Culture
Promoting a culture of respect within healthcare institutions is a critical element of the new policy. This involves addressing issues of harassment, bullying, and discrimination, and enforcing a zero-tolerance stance towards such behaviors. Signs will be displayed on the campus to remind patients’ attendants and family members to behave respectfully towards medical staff, with strict actions outlined for offenders as per relevant legal provisions. Signage highlighting the penal provisions of applicable laws will be placed in front of health institutions.
Creating a respectful workplace culture is essential for the well-being of all staff members. By addressing and preventing harassment and bullying, the policy fosters an inclusive and supportive environment, encouraging staff to perform their duties without fear or discomfort. The visible reminders and strict enforcement of respectful behavior send a clear message to all visitors, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a respectful attitude towards medical professionals, which is essential for maintaining a harmonious work environment.
Provide Training and Support
Health institutions will offer comprehensive training on respectful workplace culture, hospital safety policies, emergency procedures, and respectful communication to all medical workers, students, and security personnel. Additionally, support services such as counseling, women’s self-defense training programs, and peer support groups will be provided to address workplace stress or trauma effectively.
These training programs are designed to equip all staff members with the knowledge and skills required to maintain a safe and respectful working environment. Counseling and support services provide essential resources for individuals dealing with stress or trauma, ensuring they have access to the help they need. Self-defense training programs empower female staff members, giving them the confidence and ability to protect themselves if necessary. This holistic approach to training and support underscores the institution’s commitment to the well-being of its employees.
Set Up Incident Reporting
A clear and confidential incident reporting process will be established to ensure prompt action on reported incidents. Any reports of violence against medical students will be investigated swiftly by the college management, with First Information Reports (FIRs) filed with the police within six hours. A detailed action taken report on any incident of violence will be sent to the National Medical Commission (NMC) within 48 hours of the incident. The Superintendent of Police for the concerned district is expected to act immediately and appropriately against offenders.
The establishment of a transparent and efficient reporting process is crucial for handling incidents of violence effectively and ensuring accountability. Prompt investigations and legal actions send a strong message against unacceptable behaviors. This measure ensures that all reported incidents are taken seriously and addressed without delay, providing reassurance to the victims and deterring future occurrences. The involvement of the NMC and local law enforcement agencies enhances the credibility and effectiveness of the reporting system.
Form Monitoring Committees
Following the heartbreaking incident where a woman doctor was raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has spearheaded a major policy change by the Odisha government. As of September 19, these measures are designed to create a secure working environment for doctors, students, and other healthcare professionals in both healthcare and educational institutions. The comprehensive policy addresses numerous aspects, ranging from enhanced perimeter security to fostering a culture of respect within medical facilities.
These steps indicate a rigorous commitment on the part of the Odisha government to ensure that healthcare professionals can work without fear for their safety. Enhanced security protocols, including potential physical safeguards and surveillance, aim to prevent such tragedies from occurring again. Furthermore, initiatives will focus on building a respectful and supportive atmosphere among staff to further bolster the well-being of all medical personnel. This multi-faceted approach aims to protect those dedicated to serving the public, reinforcing their sense of safety and dedication.
