District task forces to be set up to implement safety measures for healthcare professionals in Karnataka

Bengaluru: District task forces will be set up to implement measures to prevent sexual assault and violence against doctors and healthcare workers across districts in the state, following instructions by Karnataka chief secretary Shalini Rajneesh.

This came after the state task force committee, constituted in October this year, held its first meeting on Monday. The committee was formed following recommendations by the National Task Force to implement safety measures to prevent and control violence against medical professionals in the state.

Rajneesh chaired the meeting with representatives of the state health department, medical education department, Indian Medical Association, and private hospitals' and medical establishments associations to discuss the installation of emergency alarm sirens in all hospitals, set up police outposts in every hospital and ensure there is regular police patrolling.

A well-placed source who was privy to the proceedings of the meeting told DH that the district task forces will be headed by the deputy commissioners and will comprise the Superintendent of Police of that district and the CEOs of the Zilla Panchayats, besides local representatives of the IMA and the state health department.

"The district task forces will aid in interdepartmental coordination, to implement the decisions taken by the state task force, such as the safety measures that need to be in place. They will also have the power to take decisions locally in such matters," said the source.

Rajneesh also directed the Director, Medical Education department to prepare the protocols and SOP regarding the prevention of violence and sexual assault healthcare workers, including paramedical staff. She directed all hospital managements to prominently display the 'Karnataka Prohibition of Violence Against Medicare Service Personnel and Damage to Property in Medicare Service Institutions' Act.

The meeting also discussed the need to hire more security personnel, increase CCTV and light system coverage, establish designated duty rooms and equip them with necessary facilities, prohibit trespassing and restrict the movement of the public in hospital premises after regular outpatient hours.

Additionally, measures will be taken to provide professional training to all healthcare professionals to ensure they can counsel patients and their relatives when the need arises and be able to handle their grief.