Union Health Ministry Boosts Security in Central Govt Hospitals Amid Protests

The Union Health Ministry will increase security by 25% and deploy Marshalls in Central Government hospitals to address safety concerns amid ongoing protests by resident doctors. States and UTs have existing legislation for healthcare personnel protection, and a new committee will review security and working conditions.

The Union Health Ministry has authorized the deployment of Marshalls in Central Government hospitals to provide immediate security-related assistance, as part of a broader effort to enhance security deployment by 25%. This decision comes amid ongoing protests by resident doctors demanding improved safety measures.

According to Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra, 'There will be a 25% increase in security personnel in all Central Government hospitals. Deployment of Marshalls for immediate security-related assistance will also be approved based on individual demands from these hospitals.' Ministry officials clarified that the RG Kar incident was not characterized as patient-doctor violence, emphasizing that existing laws already cover crimes and rapes.

'26 states and union territories, including West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, Assam, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Karnataka, have passed legislation to protect healthcare personnel, with offenses in these states being cognizable and non-bailable,' officials explained. They noted that a Central Protection Act might not significantly impact existing protections. Nevertheless, the Union Health Ministry is forming a committee under the DGHS to examine various aspects of hospital security, duty room facilities, and working conditions for resident doctors.

Officials have urged doctors to end their strike, stating, 'We have urged the doctors to call off their strike.' (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)