Senior police officers to be deployed; dedicated outposts planned across all government medical institutions
The Odisha government has announced a comprehensive plan to strengthen safety and security arrangements across healthcare institutions, aiming to protect doctors, staff, and patients amid growing concerns over violence in medical settings.
Senior Police Officers to Oversee Medical College Security
Under the new initiative, all 14 government medical colleges in the state will be equipped with dedicated security officers of senior rank. Officials such as Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), or Deputy Commandant will be deployed to monitor campus security and ensure law and order within hospital premises.
Security Expansion to District Headquarters Hospitals
The government has extended the security framework to district headquarters hospitals as well. Inspector-rank officers will be appointed at these facilities to maintain discipline and ensure rapid response to any untoward incidents.
Dedicated Police Outposts to Improve Emergency Response
In a significant step, dedicated police outposts will be स्थापित across all government medical colleges. These outposts are expected to reduce response time during emergencies and act as a strong deterrent against violence or disruption targeting healthcare professionals.
Rising Violence Prompts Urgent Government Action
The decision comes in the backdrop of increasing incidents of attacks on doctors and healthcare workers across India. Authorities believe that enhanced security presence will not only deter such acts but also create a safer working environment for medical professionals.
Recent Assault Case Highlights Safety Concerns
The urgency of these measures is underscored by a recent incident at a Community Health Centre (CHC) in Singhpur, where an on-duty doctor was allegedly abused and physically assaulted by a patient’s attendant over a delay in treatment.
The situation escalated further when, nearly 12 days after the altercation, the attendant was found dead under suspicious circumstances on a railway track. Following this, the attendant’s wife filed a complaint accusing the medical officer of murder. An FIR was registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), intensifying concerns within the medical community.
Government Aims to Restore Confidence Among Doctors
Officials stated that the enhanced security measures are designed to boost the confidence of healthcare professionals and improve overall hospital management. Detailed implementation guidelines and deployment timelines are expected to be announced in the coming days.
