Enhanced Security for Resident Doctors After Kolkata Incident: Surat Civil Hospital Adds 15 Guards, Including Female Guards, for 24/7 Monitoring

The shocking incident involving the rape and murder of a resident doctor in Kolkata’s medical college has sparked nationwide outrage. In response, resident doctors across the country went on strike, which ended after six days. 

Following the strike, resident doctors held a meeting with Surat Civil Hospital’s Superintendent and other officials, presenting their demands. As a result, the hospital administration has agreed to increase CCTV coverage on campus and enhance lighting in dark spots. 

Additionally, they have increased the number of security guards, including 15 female guards, who will conduct round-the-clock checks.

Ketan Nayak, RMO of Surat Civil Hospital, stated that the strike by resident doctors was in response to the heinous incident in Kolkata. Medical college resident doctors across India, including Gujarat, participated in the strike. 

However, the strike in Gujarat was called off, and the local issues that could be addressed by the hospital administration have been swiftly handled. In the meeting between the resident doctors and the hospital administration, demands for increased CCTV cameras and additional security guards were made. The hospital has responded by increasing security personnel by 10%, adding 15 more guards within their capacity.

Quick Solutions Promised for Black Spots on Hospital Campus

In addition, it was stated that the new security guards have been deployed round-the-clock at the Trauma Center and Kidney Building, where new wards have recently been opened. 

Regarding the installation of CCTV cameras, resident doctors were informed that a group of four to five doctors will collaborate with the security officer to survey the campus. They will identify areas where CCTV cameras are needed, and the superintendent has given the green light for installation in those locations.

Resident doctors also raised concerns about the presence of dark “black spots” along the path from the hostel to the hospital, which pose a safety risk, especially at night. Engineers from the PIU’s electrical department and the civil department were present at the meeting, and it was assured that a solution for these black spots would be implemented within two days.

Resident Doctors’ Demands to be Addressed Swiftly

It was also mentioned that female resident doctors requested separate rooms for night duty in the wards. While some departments already have separate rooms, others do not. The PIU has assured that partitions or other arrangements will be made where needed. 

The hospital administration also assured that patient services will not be disrupted. The Civil Hospital administration has committed to addressing the resident doctors’ demands promptly and efficiently.

Over 600 CCTV Cameras Installed Across Three Hospital Buildings

Following the resident doctors’ demand for increased CCTV coverage, a survey began this morning to assess the need for additional cameras. So far, it has been determined that around 48 more CCTV cameras may be required, though the survey is still ongoing. 

Since this is a local issue, it is expected to be resolved swiftly. Surat Civil Hospital currently has over 600 CCTV cameras installed across its three buildings, along with 167 security guards, of which 15 additional guards have recently been deployed.