Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra Urges States to Ensure Safety for Doctors and Healthcare Workers
Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra has written to all states and Union Territories, asking them to provide a report by September 10 on the safety and security measures for doctors and healthcare workers. This request follows a Supreme Court directive issued on August 22, which called for a meeting with secretaries and directors general of police to ensure that state governments and Union Territories implement basic safety requirements.
In his letter to the Chief Secretaries and directors general of police of all states and Union Territories, Chandra thanked them for their participation in a recent video conference discussing safety measures for medical professionals. The letter outlined eleven key points discussed during the August 28 meeting, including:
- Identification of high-risk establishments
- Security audits
- Focus on high-risk areas
- CCTV surveillance
- Integration with local police
- Security personnel
- Security committees
- Security checks
- Bereavement protocols
- Patient facilitators
- Volunteers/social workers/coordinators
Chandra noted that many states and Union Territories have already initiated actions based on suggestions from a previous letter dated August 23, 2024. He also mentioned that some states have taken additional measures beyond those suggested by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). All states and Union Territories are requested to provide an action taken report on the immediate and short-term measures already initiated by September 10, 2024.
This development comes in response to growing outrage over the alleged murder and sexual assault of a female trainee doctor on August 9 at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
Doubts Revealed
Union Health Secretary -: The Union Health Secretary is a senior government official in India who is responsible for overseeing the country’s health policies and programs.
Apurva Chandra -: Apurva Chandra is the name of the current Union Health Secretary in India.
States and Union Territories -: India is divided into states and Union Territories. States have their own governments, while Union Territories are directly governed by the central government.
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It makes important decisions that everyone in the country has to follow.
Security audits -: Security audits are checks to make sure that safety measures are working properly and that people are protected.
CCTV surveillance -: CCTV surveillance means using cameras to monitor and record activities in an area to keep it safe.
Integration with local police -: Integration with local police means working together with the police to ensure safety and quick response to any problems.
Kolkata -: Kolkata is a big city in India, located in the state of West Bengal.
