Put in place security system for doctors: DMER

A week after the attack on resident doctors in Mumbai, the Directorate Of Medical Education (DMER) has asked all government medical colleges of the state to put in place an extensive security system to ensure protection of resident doctors.

Members of the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) had pointed out the security loopholes and ignorance towards the DMER security norms by medical colleges during a hearing at the Bombay high court. However, as the June 1 deadline to ensure the security system for protection of doctors was missed, DMER has taken stringent measures to ensure that the hospitals follow the guidelines within a week’s time.

During the hearing at the Bombay high court, representatives of medical colleges submitted an affidavit, pointing out that the process of building a security system is ongoing on June 10.

However, as the ministry had assured Mard that the procedure would be completed before June 1, DMER now has given fresh instructions to the deans of the medical colleges to ensure that the norms are in place before June 20.

“We hope that government will take fast action at least now after court directions so that more doctors don’t get beaten up and feel insecure while working in hospital,” said Dr Sagar Mundada, president, Central Mard.

The hospitals are slated to install informative boards on their premises, explaining the legal implications of indulging in attacks on doctors.

At the same time, as Mard member’s previous request, the hospitals are also supposed to restrict the entry and exit of the relatives by keeping only one or two entry and exit outlets.

The hospitals are also supposed to maintain an entry pass system, specific meeting timings and restriction on the number of relatives to be allowed entry inside the wards. Presence of CCTV cameras outside important wards and security personnel as per the discretion of Mard members is also advised by DMER.

“These norms are to ensure that the resident doctors, nurses and employees of the medical colleges are no longer subjected to violence by the relatives of the patient. At the same time, it is also important to follow the directives given by Bombay high court so that there is no violation of the same. The hospitals need to submit the report, along with pictures and signatures of respective Mard members before June 20,” said Dr Pravin Shingare, director, DMER.