District Commissioner Announces Security Audit for Mohali Hospitals

In response to growing concerns over the safety of healthcare workers and patients, District Commissioner (DC) Aashika Jain has announced a comprehensive security audit for hospitals across Mohali. The initiative comes in the wake of a tragic incident in Kolkata, where a junior doctor was assaulted, prompting state-wide directives to safeguard healthcare professionals.

This security audit aims to address the safety needs of hospitals, with a particular focus on protecting doctors, and paramedical staff, and ensuring that hospitals are secure environments for both staff and patients.

Formation of the District Health Board (DHB)

To spearhead this initiative, a District Health Board (DHB) has been established. This seven-member board is tasked with overseeing the security measures and reporting on improvements needed in local healthcare facilities. The board will be chaired by DC Aashika Jain and include key representatives such as:

• Mohali SSP Deepak Pareek

• Civil Surgeon Dr. Renu Singh

• Principal/Medical Superintendent of the local medical college

• Nursing sister representing paramedic staff

• District President of the Indian Medical Association

• District Attorney

Scope of the Security Audit

DC Jain has mandated that the security audit cover a range of healthcare facilities, including:

• District Hospital

• Sub-Divisional Hospitals

• Community Health Centres

• Primary Health Centres operating 24x7

These audits will be conducted by senior medical officers, in coordination with hospital security teams, and will focus on several key areas:

1. CCTV Monitoring: Ensuring all existing cameras are operational and provide coverage in critical and less visible areas. Additional lights will be installed in poorly lit areas to improve visibility and safety.

2. Pass System for Visitors: Hospitals with high foot traffic will implement a single-pass system to regulate visitor access.

3. Contact Information for Emergency Services: New boards with contact details for the nearest police stations will be installed at all facilities, available in both English and Punjabi.

4. Staff Identification: All hospital staff will be issued ID cards, which must be worn during working hours to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive areas.

Implementation and Timeline

DC Jain has directed sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) to personally visit the health facilities and complete the security audit within the next 10 days. Following the audits, the board will submit detailed reports to the DC and Mohali Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Deepak Pareek for further action.

Police Guidelines for Private Hospitals

In addition to the security audits at government hospitals, Mohali SSP Deepak Pareek has stated that district police have already completed a security audit of private health facilities. As part of this audit, private hospitals were issued specific guidelines to enhance the safety of doctors and paramedical staff.

Key guidelines include:

• Regular Patrolling: Increased police patrolling, especially at 10 identified high-risk areas.

• Daily Monitoring of CCTV: Senior medical officers are expected to monitor the functionality of CCTV cameras on a daily basis.

Violence Prevention and Sexual Harassment Committees

To further protect healthcare professionals, the Violence Prevention Committee will be headed by senior medical officers, ensuring hospitals are prepared to handle potential threats or emergencies. Additionally, a five-member Internal Committee on Sexual Harassment will be established in hospitals and other organizations where female staff are employed.

Why This Matters

The safety and security of healthcare workers are of paramount importance in maintaining trust in healthcare institutions. This audit is a critical step toward:

• Enhancing security infrastructure at healthcare facilities

• Protecting healthcare professionals from violence or harassment

• Improving patient care by ensuring a safe and secure environment for both patients and staff.

  
  

What’s Next?

As the security audit unfolds, we can expect detailed reports on the current state of hospital safety, along with actionable recommendations for improvements. The District Health Board will meet on a monthly basis to review the progress and ensure that necessary changes are implemented promptly.

FAQs

1. Why was the security audit for Mohali hospitals initiated? 

The District Commissioner launched this audit as part of a larger initiative to enhance patient safety and ensure hospitals in Mohali are well-prepared to handle security challenges, both physical and digital.

2. What areas will the audit cover? 

The audit will cover physical security, cybersecurity protocols, emergency response procedures, and patient data protection to ensure hospitals are fortified against a wide range of potential threats.

3. Who will conduct the audit? 

The Health Board has been tasked with implementing and overseeing the security audit. They will work closely with hospitals to assess current security measures and provide recommendations for improvement.

4. How will the audit improve healthcare quality in Mohali? 

By identifying vulnerabilities and providing actionable recommendations, the audit will help hospitals improve their security infrastructure, enhance patient and staff safety, and protect sensitive data. This will lead to overall better healthcare services.

5. When can we expect the results of the audit? 

The exact timeline is yet to be announced, but updates on the audit’s progress will be provided by the District Commissioner’s office. The public can expect detailed reports and recommendations once the audit is complete.