Set up police posts, install CCTVs: Haryana's advisory to medical colleges and hospitals

Geetanjali Gayatri

Chandigarh, August 15

In the wake of the doctor's rape and murder at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, the Haryana Government has issued an advisory directing medical colleges to set up of police posts, install security cameras in OPDs, wards and across campuses, besides introduction of biometrics, limiting the number of attendants among other things.

Issuing a detailed advisory, Additional Chief Secretary, Medical Education and Research, Sumita Misra directed medical colleges to maintain a close liaison with their nearest police station, SHO and DSP.

The advisory underlined the need to establish a police post within the premises of the government medical colleges which must be functional 24x7 and have at least a female police staff posted round the clock.

The order further stated that CCTVs should be installed outside all hostels, main gate, roads, roundabouts, campus in different hospitals/ college blocks and on each floor of the same.

A control room must be there for security personnel to keep a watch on the CCTV footage regularly, which must have at least three-month storage recording backup, posting of security guards in all OPDs and outside wards, it said.

While ensuring regular security patrols, the advisory suggested conduct of regular safety audits to identify and address potential security risks besides providing secure streets, parking and transportation.

To curtail easy access, the advisory laid down implementing secure access controls, including ID badges, keycards, or biometric authentication for all staff. During late hours, it suggested restricting entry to authorised areas for authorised personnel.

The colleges have been asked to develop a clear emergency response plan, including panic buttons, emergency phones, or mobile apps etc, to quickly respond to threat and in emergency situations, if any.