Open House: What measures should be implemented to ensure doctors’ protection at work?

To ensure doctors' safety at work, it's crucial to implement strict security measures such as metal detectors, panic buttons and CCTV surveillance, as well as train staff in crisis management. These steps can protect doctors from potential violence and aggression.

Prithvee Yakhmi

Panic buttons, CCTV surveillance needed

There is an urgent need for safety of health workers of both genders. Female staff being more vulnerable require security 24X7. Panic buttons, CCTVs, better lighting and deputing two females together at least are among the much required things. The quick rotation of duties of the male staff like sanitation staff can also go a long way in reducing the crime. Law providing severe punishment for crimes against medics should be enacted so as to deter criminals from attacking innocent saviours of the nation.

NPS Sohal, Chandigarh

24x7 security can keep medics safe

Wearable or wireless panic button system can help to significantly reduce instances of violence at workplace. The system will allow hospital staff to call for help on feeling threatened, sensing violence, spotting unauthorised visitors or facing anti-social behaviour on the hospital premises. Video surveillance can be used to improve monitoring throughout a hospital or medical centre.

Capt Amar Jeet, Kharar

Unauthorised entries should be banned

Firstly, why should a trainee (or even regular) doctor made to work for 36 hours or more at a stretch? It is inhumane. Secondly, female rest rooms should be strictly out of bounds for men. It must be applied on immediate basis, without an exception. Thirdly, no unauthorised entry should be allowed at any of the female wards or the areas where female doctors are on duty.

Deepak Taak, Panchkula

Doctors deserve security at all times

There is no sacred profession than medical. Doctors work day and night for people and in return and deserve round-the-clock security. All hospitals staff should be picked and dropped by hospitals vans during odd hours. Lastly, it is the duty of the government to check the safety norms at all hospitals.

Opinder Kaur Sekhon

Make assault on docs a non-bailable offence

To protect doctors at work, a top-down approach is recommended. The proposed Prevention of Violence against Doctors, Medical Professionals, and Medical Institutions Bill is ready since 2019, but still not tabled in parliament for passage and adoption. The Bill should be passed at the earliest. Any case of violence against doctors should be categorised as non-bailable.

Brig Advitya Madan, Chandigarh

Enhance security in OPDs, wards

The need of the hour is to restrict the entry of dependents of patients in hospitals. CCTV coverage at vulnerable points should be provided. Further, security personnel must be deployed in the OPD and wards. Lastly, exemplary punishment will deter miscreants from committing a crime against doctors and paramedical staff.

Col TBS Bedi, Mohali

Raise awareness on value of doctors

To safeguard doctors at hospitals, strict enforcement of security protocols is essential, including surveillance systems and trained security personnel. Legal measures must ensure swift action against miscreants. Public awareness campaigns emphasising the value of doctors can foster respect and reduce aggression toward healthcare providers.

Gaganpreet Singh, Mohali

Provide safety training to medics

Foster open communication channels for reporting threats or incidents without fear of reprisal. Invest in regular safety training for both medical staff and patients to create a culture of respect and awareness, ultimately preventing violence.

Gurpreet Kaur, Mohali

Need for robust security measures

Implement robust physical security measures like metal detectors, access control and well-lit surroundings. Provide comprehensive training to staff on de-escalation techniques and handling aggressive patients. Foster strong collaboration between law enforcement, healthcare institutions and medical associations for rapid response and support.

Sahibpreet Singh, Mohali

Install up-to-date security system

Movement of doctors, supporting staff and patients should be recorded and checked daily by a senior officer. Doctors should visit wards in groups during odd hours. The condition of patient must be told to the kin in case of emergency so as to avoid doubts leading to clash with doctors and major loss to hospital. Constitute a committee for safety of doctors.

Kirpal Singh, Chandigarh

Cover work-related risks under insurance

Frame policies that ensure reasonable working hours, rest breaks and minimise administrative burdens. Health workers deserve a healthy work-life balance. Adequate staffing would reduce stress and enhance patient care. Provide comprehensive insurance coverage for work-related risks, especially for those working in high-risk areas.

Sargunpreet Kaur, Mohali

Inculcate moral values in children

Providing a panic button in taxis and public places could help women get immediate aid in a difficult situation. Further, inculcating moral values in children from an early age and giving more emphasis on protection of children from sexual offences in schools could be a step towards checking such heinous crimes. Also, adding security features like CCTV cameras and registering an active emergency number could enhance the safety and security of women.

Ruhin Gupta, Chandigarh

Need for laws against doctors' harassment

The recent barbarous incident in Kolkata has raised serious concerns about doctors’ safety. To address this, robust policies and measures are crucial. This includes strict laws against harassment and assault, installing CCTVs and ensuring swift action against perpetrators. Additionally, it's crucial to weed out corrupt individuals within the government who fail to take adequate measures to protect doctors.

Tisha, Panchkula

Install CCTVs at strategic locations

Ensure foolproof security in sensitive areas with entries through ID cards or biometric systems only. CCTV cameras be installed at strategic locations with panic button. Lady doctors should be accompanied by male counterparts and their rooms must have dual exits. Law enforcement agencies should also be made to respond swiftly in case of emergencies.

Harinder Singh Bhalla

Don’t play politics on the incident

There is a need for enacting a comprehensive law to shield healthcare workers from violence. Instead of making the incident a political issue and playing blame game, the highest authorities should do justice at the earliest and punish the culprit publicly to instil fear in mind of others of his ilk. Those shielding the culprit should also face stern legal punishment.

Charu Malhotra, Mohali

Can’t compromise with safety of doctors

The safety of doctors is crucial, as they often work under challenging conditions. As Hippocrates said, "Wherever the art of Medicine is loved, there is also a love of Humanity." The Kolkata college incident highlighted the need for improved security to medical staff.

Devanjana, Chandigarh

Upgrade security infra at govt hospitals

There has been a rapid increase in the incidents of violence against doctors and healthcare professionals working in government hospitals over the past few years. The reason perhaps lies in the inadequate security, making medics easy target of such violence and manhandling by relatives of patients and other miscreants. It is high time the government took steps to improve security infrastructure in its hospitals.

Dr DK Verma, Panchkula

Take penal action against miscreants

The institutions with female workers should accord high priority to their security. The administration of the area must visit the workplaces regularly and ensure female workers are not exploited. Penal action should be taken against miscreants.

MR Bhateja, Nayagaon

Adopt zero tolerance towards violence

There should be zero-tolerance policy for violence against healthcare workers. A safe working environment is essential to ensure the well-being of healthcare heroes.

Amanjot Kaur, Mohali

Take swift action against assailants

Prompt legal action against assailants is crucial, coupled with counselling and support for traumatised doctors.

Gurdev Singh, Mohali

Protest highlights need to keep docs safe

Nationwide protests over the heinous rape and murder of a trainee doctor in West Bengal on duty has highlighted the issue of doctors' safety. There should be round-the-clock security at hospitals to avoid such bizarre incidents. Mere installation of CCTVs wouldn't serve the purpose.

Abhilasha Gupta, Mohali

Deploy dedicated team for medics

A dedicated security system for medics can be a powerful tool against anti-social elements. Dilution of security standard operating procedures (SOPs) lead to such unfortunate incidents, leaving behind painful memories. Hence, SOPs should be religiously followed.

Vijay Shukla, Chandigarh

Can't ignore safety of life saviours

Protests broke out in Kolkata and across the country, demanding safety and security for doctors as they are engaged in healing people. Multiple acts of violence against doctors have marred the peace between doctors and patients for years now. The nation can't afford to lose doctors or caregivers. Those tasked with saving lives should not have to fear for their own.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

Provide doctors safe working environment

The rape-murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata has put the entire nation to shame. Doctors have been considered next to God as they save lives. There is a need to provide 24x7 security cover to doctors. There should be a feedback network to monitor the behaviour of rogue elements working in the hospitals. The morale of doctors cannot be raised without providing them a safe working environment.

Wg Cdr JS Minhas (retd), Mohali

Need to install face recognition machines

To protect the life saviours of the society the institutions must increase their security force and employ artificial intelligence to check incidents of crime against doctors. Biometric face recognition machines should be installed at the entrances of seminar room, conference hall and hostels. All doctors, irrespective of their gender, should be advised to not go alone anywhere or visit libraries during odd hours.

Savita Kuthiala

Don’t delay justice in such cases

Incidents of assault on healthcare staff in government hospitals is not something unheard of. However, all limits were crossed in the tragic incident of Kolkata. It is an eye-opener for the courts as well as the administration. The government should bring in the Central Protection Act for the safety of the medical fraternity. Justice should not be delayed in such cases of heinous crime.

Sukhwant Bhullar, Chandigarh

CCTV monitoring must at all hospitals

The safety of doctors has become a significant concern. The administration should take necessary steps to ensure their protection at work. There should be CCTV coverage at every public as well as private hospital and clinics. The extra vigil should be necessary.

Adish Sood, Amloh

Check ID, maintain record of visitors

Female doctors and nurses are vulnerable to such crimes. To ensure their wellbeing, the hospital authorities must install 24x7 security system. There should be exclusive rest rooms for lady doctors/nursing staff, which should be guarded by women staff round the clock. Entry should be allowed on furnishing of ID proof and proper record of visitors should be maintained.

SS Arora, Mohali

Install suggestion, complaint boxes

Today's delay is tomorrow's regret. Suggestion and complaint boxes should be mandatory in every department. Every complaint should be accorded undivided attention and immediate action so as to curb such instances to an extent.

Parisha Khatri,Chandigarh

Fast-track cases of rape, murder

Strict punishment should be awarded earliest in the cases of murder and rape. Regular security staff must be appointed at the entry gates of each institution and belongings of strangers should be thoroughly searched. No one be allowed entry without checking their identity. A small hole can sink a great ship. Visitors' records must be maintained.

Sumesh Kumar Badhwar, Mohali

Teach children to respect women

The horrible incident that took place in Kolkata was infuriating and sorrowful. To prevent such terrible incidents, children should be taught to respect women. Panic or emergency buttons must be made available and should be easily accessible.

Akshansh Thakur

Expedite cases of crime against women

To make the tricity a safe place for women and to protect doctors, hospitals should enforce strict security protocols. Justice should be served against these demons at the earliest. We should promote public awareness campaigns to educate the community on the vital role and the rights of medical professionals.

Rhythm, Chandigarh

Award exemplary punishment to culprits

It is the failure of our set-up that such heinous crimes against women continue to occur. The system should be strong enough to stop such incidents. A provision of death sentence in heinous crimes like the one that took place in Kolkata recently can bring desired results. Fast-track courts should be set up to ensure quick justice in such cases.

Surinder Paul Wadhwa, Mohali

Need to provide police protection to docs

Hospitals must be protected by government agencies like CISF round the clock. The authorities must try to not post female doctors on night duty. However, if there is no choice, they should be provided proper protection. On their part, doctors must be polite to patients and their attendants and avoid any confrontation with them. Duty hours of resident doctors should be fixed.

Bharat Bhushan Sharma

Ramp up safety measures for doctors

Immediate measures must be implemented at the local level to ramp up doctors' safety. The authorities must implement SOPs to ensure that there is adequate presence of support and security staff. A dedicated team comprising senior doctors and administrators should be formed in each hospital to hear out medics and ensure quick action on their complaints.

Saikrit Gulati, Chandigarh

Cut procedural delays in imparting justice

The recent incident of the rape and murder of an on-duty female doctor shocked the entire country. It is sad that victims generally face harassment due to delayed justice, costly judicial procedure/legislative procedure and society/media trials. The government should cut short the procedure and attach property of the accused in such cases of heinous crime and act timely on complaints.

Avinash Goyal, Chandigarh

Question for next week

The concept of smart paid parking in Chandigarh remains elusive, as the Municipal Corporation has repeatedly failed to implement it over the years. Residents continue to pay charges without seeing any real improvement in the parking lots. What should be done to expedite the smart parking project and make it a reality?

Suggestions in not more than 70 words can be sent to openhouse@tribunemail.com