After 22-year-old Kerala doctor killed by patient, state to set up police outposts at major hospitals

In the wake of widespread protests by doctors over the killing of a young doctor two days ago, the Kerala government on Thursday decided to issue an ordinance to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals in hospitals.

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Thiruvananthapuram/Kochi/Kottayam,UPDATED:May 12, 2023 17:05 IST

The female doctor was stabbed several times by a drunk patient. (Photo: File)

By Shibimol KG: Following statewide protests by doctors over the murder of a woman doctor two days ago, the Kerala government has decided to introduce an ordinance to amend the Hospital Protection Act to ensure the safety of medical professionals. The government will also set up police outposts in major hospitals.

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the government will make necessary amendments to the Hospital Protection bill to ensure the safety of health workers. The decision was taken in the high-level meeting chaired by the CM in the wake of the death of 22-year-old Dr Vandana Das, who was stabbed by a dunk patient on Wednesday at a taluk hospital in Kottarakkara.

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The ordinance to amend the Kerala Healthcare Service Persons and Healthcare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, 2012 would be introduced in the next cabinet meeting, a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said.

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MUNITES OF THE MEETING CALLED BY CM

The Chief Minister directed that the health department and the home department to take joint measures regarding the safety of the health workers. Security systems should be strengthened by dividing hospitals into three categories. Police outposts should be established in medical colleges, district hospitals, general hospitals, women’s and children’s hospitals under the first category. Officers like SI, ASI, CPO should be deployed here on deputation, the CM said.

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According to the discussion in the meeting, necessary closed circuit cameras should be installed in all hospitals. Proper monitoring of CCTV should be ensured. Warning system should be installed in hospitals.

“A security audit should be conducted every six months in all hospitals. This should be done by the health and police departments under the supervision of the District Collector. It has to be examined whether two doctors can be appointed in emergency departments at night in government hospitals,” the CM said, adding that traffic congestion around hospitals should also he handled.

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The Indian Medical Association ( Kerala) and the Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association (KGMOA) have ended their protests strike after the decisions taken by the state government. They rejoined duty on Thursday.

The post-graduation students held a meeting with Health Minister Veena George. The students of Azeezia Medical College, where Dr Vandana Das was a house surgeon, are protesting, seeking punishment for the accused.

— ENDS —

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Edited By:

Aishwarya Dakhore

Published On:

May 12, 2023