A day ahead of the crucial meeting between protesting doctors and Punjab’s Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema in the backdrop of the Kolkata incident, the State Government on Tuesday took decisive steps to bolster the security of healthcare professionals. In a high-level meeting chaired by the state Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh, the government announced a zero-tolerance policy towards violence against medical staff, with stringent measures being put in place across all districts.

Among the key decisions were the formation of District Health Boards, enhanced security protocols, and strict implementation of the Punjab Protection of Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions Act, 2008. The government also ordered the installation of CCTV cameras, deployment of home guards, and linking healthcare facilities with the nearest police stations for rapid response during emergencies.

Additionally, the Internal Committees for Sexual Harassment will be established in every hospital to ensure a safe work environment. These decisions come as a part of the government’s efforts to address the grievances of doctors, who have been demanding better security measures in the wake of rising incidents of violence against medical professionals.

Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s zero-tolerance policy, the Minister said that any violence against healthcare workers would not be tolerated at any cost, and strict action would be taken against offenders.

Dr Balbir, chairing the high-level meeting with Deputy Commissioners, Commissioners of Police, Senior Superintendents of Police, and Civil Surgeons of all districts via video conference, reviewed the security arrangements at government healthcare facilities and called for immediate implementation of the decisions made.

The recent incident in Kolkata, where a doctor was raped and murdered, has further galvanized the Punjab government into action. A meeting with Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema is scheduled for Wednesday, where further discussions will take place regarding healthcare worker safety and security improvements in hospitals.

The Minister directed that ‘District Health Boards’ be constituted under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioners, with concerned SSPs, Civil Surgeons, medical professionals, representatives from paramedical staff, and legal experts as its members. The Board will meet monthly to review the security measures in place and ensure ongoing monitoring and improvements.

Emphasizing the importance of the Punjab Protection of Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions Act, 2008, Dr Balbir instructed all healthcare facilities to prominently display the provisions, penalties, and punishments under the Act in both English and Punjabi. “Ensure that this Act is strictly enforced by installing display boards in both English and Punjabi at all healthcare facilities, outlining the penalties for violent actions against healthcare workers and providing contact details for nearby police stations,” he said.

Moreover, the Minister insisted that health institutions with significant public footfall should be attached to the nearest police stations or outposts. Security measures, such as CCTV cameras, adequate lighting, and the deployment of home guards, should be installed at all government hospitals. In an effort to streamline operations, Dr Balbir suggested limiting entry into In-Patient Departments (IPDs) to only one attendant per patient.

In response to concerns about harassment within healthcare settings, the Health Minister ordered the formation of five-member Internal Committees on Sexual Harassment, which will be responsible for investigating and addressing complaints, ensuring a safe work environment for all staff members.

Alongside security measures, Dr Balbir made a heartfelt appeal to healthcare professionals, urging them to show empathy and courtesy to patients and their families. He emphasized that patients often come to hospitals in a state of distress, and healthcare staff should recognize their anxiety and provide compassionate care. The Minister also reassured the public that any grievances regarding treatment provided at government hospitals could be brought to the attention of District Grievances Redressal Committees for swift action.

The healthcare professionals have been demanding installation of panic buttons and surveillance cameras in all government hospitals — a demand the government is considering seriously. These measures are being discussed following feedback from healthcare professionals, who have voiced concerns about the lack of security in hospitals. Police stations will be linked directly to hospitals to ensure rapid responses during emergencies.

In recent months, incidents of violence against healthcare workers have been reported in Ludhiana, Zirakpur, and Nawanshahr, prompting doctors to demand enhanced security measures. Dr Balbir assured that the government is committed to address these concerns and ensure the safety of all healthcare professionals.

·         Strict action against any violence targeting healthcare professionals

·         Formation of District Health Boards to monthly review security at healthcare facilities

·         Strict implementation of the Punjab Protection of Medicare Service Persons Act, 2008

·         Installation of CCTV cameras, panic buttons, and deployment of home guards at hospitals

·         Healthcare institutions with high footfall to be linked with nearby police stations

·         Limit of one attendant per patient in In-Patient Departments

·         Establishment of five-member internal committees to handle sexual harassment complaints