Hyderabad: The State government has decided to improve security at government hospitals. This decision involves increasing night patrols and frisking visitors who come in and out of the hospitals.
The move comes after several cases of missing infants from hospitals. Recently, a one-year-old boy named Manikantha was kidnapped from a government hospital in Nizamabad. The kidnappers tried to take him to Maharashtra, but the police stopped them. Thanks to CCTV footage, the boy was found safe, and the suspects were caught.
A senior official mentioned that hospitals have been instructed to increase night patrols. Hospitals must also install CCTV cameras in important places like entry points, corridors, and dark areas. These cameras will be connected to nearby police stations for better security.
The government has also decided to set up police outposts at teaching hospitals. This will help ensure the safety of both health professionals and patients. Additionally, hospitals must ensure that private security staff undergo police verification.
In addition to security measures, the government is focusing on fire safety in hospitals. During a recent review meeting, Health Minister C Damodar Raja Narsimha stressed the need for firefighting equipment and regular fire audits. He urged hospitals to maintain fire alarms and fire dousing equipment. He also asked for regular checks on electrical systems to prevent short circuits.
This focus on fire safety follows a recent fire accident on October 20 at a government hospital in Nirmal district. Thankfully, there were no casualties, as 200 patients were safely evacuated.
