LD Hospital takes stringent measures to ensure safety of staff following Kolkata incident

‘Installs more CCTV cameras, increases security personnel, forms new committee’

Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar, Aug 29 (KNO): Authorities at Lal Ded (LD) Hospital in Srinagar have implemented several safety measures for their staff, particularly following the shocking rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata earlier this month.

Recognising the importance of a safe working environment, especially in a gynaecological hospital where most staff members are women, the hospital administration has taken steps to enhance security and prevent any untoward incidents.

An official informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the hospital, which serves as the only tertiary-cum-maternity facility in the Kashmir division and caters to patients from across the region, including Kargil, has expanded its CCTV camera coverage.

“The existing camera system was not sufficient to cover all the sensitive areas of the hospital. We have now installed 30 to 40 high-resolution cameras in vital areas,” he said.

He said that in addition to the enhanced surveillance system, the number of security personnel has been increased to monitor for any suspicious activities, prevent theft of public property or newborns and ensure a safe environment for all.

The hospital has reconstituted a team to address sexual harassment issues, the official said. This team, comprising senior members, is tasked with ensuring a prompt and effective response to any allegations of sexual harassment within the hospital.

The committee includes Dr Shagufta Rather, Professor of Gynecology at LDH/GMC Srinagar, Dr Mehraj-Ud-Din, Associate Professor of Gynecology at LDH/GMC Srinagar, Dr Sameena Maqbool, Medical Officer at LDH Srinagar, and Mohammad Yousuf Bhat (ASI) of the Jammu & Kashmir Police, who is on deputation at the hospital.

The hospital has also established a committee focused on “Hospital Security and Violence Prevention”, the official said, adding that a dedicated resting room for female doctors on night shifts has also been arranged to ensure their comfort and safety.

“An emergency helpline, 112, will soon be operational to allow any complaints to be registered promptly,” the official said, adding that regular police verification is being conducted for contractual staff and outsourced employees to ensure security protocols are upheld—(KNO)