Health Ministry Boosts Security at Government Hospitals Amid Protests

The Health Ministry has enhanced security deployment at union government hospitals by 25% following protests by resident doctors. Despite the call for a central law after the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, officials claim existing laws suffice. The ministry plans additional measures to improve hospital security.

The Health Ministry has announced a 25% increase in security deployment at all union government hospitals, responding to protests by resident doctors seeking a central law after a trainee doctor's alleged rape and murder at a Kolkata hospital.

Officials stated that while the standard security protocol will remain, individual government hospitals can request marshals based on their security assessments. However, officials argue that creating a central law based on this case may not be necessary since existing laws already cover such crimes.

The ministry has been engaging with Resident Doctors' Associations to discuss these points. Additionally, a committee led by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) will be formed to evaluate security and facilities for hospital residents. Despite these efforts, doctors' strikes over the Kolkata incident continue, affecting patient care nationwide.

(With inputs from agencies.)