Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and Health Secretary Apurva Chandra Discuss Safety Measures for Doctors
New Delhi [India], August 28: In response to the Supreme Court’s August 22 order, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra co-chaired a virtual meeting in Delhi. The meeting involved Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police (DGPs) from various states to implement essential safety measures for doctors and healthcare professionals.
The discussions focused on ensuring that State Governments and Union Territories (UT) take immediate actions to address safety concerns at healthcare workplaces. This follows the National Task Force’s (NTF) initial meeting, chaired by the Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan, which took place on Tuesday. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), was present along with senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
During the meeting, state government and UT officers, including Chief Secretaries and DPGs, shared the steps taken to enhance security and provide a safer working environment for healthcare workers across public and private hospitals, medical colleges, and other healthcare institutions.
Govind Mohan requested the officers to ensure the installation of CCTV cameras in blind spots, integration with 112 helplines for healthcare workers, access control of large hospitals, and sharing of the revamped position under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra encouraged states to come up with innovative ideas and emphasized immediate measures such as joint security audits, regular security checks, and control rooms in large hospitals.
Other suggestions included conducting mock drills for security, training hired security personnel, and reducing the number of patient attendants to lessen the load on security and healthcare professionals. Capacity building and training of doctors in bereavement protocols, institutionalizing security and safety committees, and routine security patrolling during nighttime were also key suggestions.
Doubts Revealed
Union Home Secretary -: The Union Home Secretary is a top government official in India who looks after the country’s internal security and law enforcement.
Health Secretary -: The Health Secretary is a senior government official responsible for managing public health policies and healthcare services in India.
Govind Mohan -: Govind Mohan is the name of the current Union Home Secretary in India.
Apurva Chandra -: Apurva Chandra is the name of the current Health Secretary in India.
CCTV cameras -: CCTV cameras are video cameras used for surveillance to monitor and record activities for security purposes.
112 helplines -: 112 is the emergency phone number in India that people can call for help in situations like accidents, crimes, or medical emergencies.
security audits -: Security audits are checks conducted to ensure that safety measures and protocols are being followed properly.
control rooms -: Control rooms are places in large hospitals where staff monitor security cameras and manage emergency responses.
training for security personnel -: Training for security personnel involves teaching security guards and staff how to handle emergencies and protect people in healthcare facilities.
