Bengal hospital rape and murder case: Doctors allege gaps in hospital security

Senior lady doctors from different medical colleges in Kolkata organized a candle march from Shyambazar’s five point crossing to R G Kar Hospital on the issue of the suspicious death of a second-year postgraduate trainee. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

‘No rest area’

According to junior doctors at RG Kar, the victim had to choose the seminar room to rest as there is no rest area for women doctors. The seminar room has no washroom.

An interning doctor spoke about the challenges she faces on duty. “This hospital deals with a high influx of trauma patients. The doctor-to-patient ratio is very low. We lack support; if someone abuses us, there’s no one to turn to.” There is no proper washroom or place to even change clothes, she said.

“On night duty we mostly use either the seminar room or sonography room,” said a doctor.

Entry screening, ‘touts’

One doctor flagged the issue of “unauthorised entry” as the “biggest problem”. “Often, one patient comes with 11-12 relatives. Only people with ID cards should be allowed inside the ward. Look at Woodburn Ward of SSKM, where VIPs and politicians stay. They have strict regulations against unauthorised entry,” he said.

Doctors also alleged that at night, there is no screening of outsiders entering the hospital.

Agitation outside the RG KAR hospital. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

“As many as 15-20 people barge in the emergency with one patient. We come across drunk people in the emergency section  as well,” said a female housekeeping staffer at the hospital.

A protesting doctor said that several contractual workers are employed at the hospital. “Many of them are involved in tout rackets at the hospital. Authorities have little control. They have access in every ward,” alleged a postgraduate student at RG Kar.

Security, lighting

According to doctors, there should be an adequate police presence inside the hospital. “There is no security at all at night on the floor,” said Dr Nihal Saha. The hospital has its private security apart from police at the main gate. However, junior doctors say private security is absent after 9 pm.

Candle rally by BJP from Academy of Fine Arts on RG KAR rape murder issue. (Express Photo by Partha Paul)

Given the hospital’s expanse, women staffers face safety concerns when traversing dark areas after night shifts.  Several areas in the premises are desolate and poorly lit. “You cannot walk around at night. We all know it’s not safe,” said a junior doctor.

The protesters have called for deploying women police officers strategically throughout the hospital.