Dress code, CCTVs, safety audits — after RG Kar, Odisha rolls out policy to keep healthcare workers safe

“A clear emergency response plan should be developed for all health institutions, which may include panic buttons, emergency phones, mobile apps etc to respond quickly to any threat and in emergency situations. A specific phone number can be set-up in the main security control room to report any emergency or security issue at any time,” said the policy.

It suggested that the healthcare institutions should establish a clear “incident reporting process” ensuring confidentiality and prompt action on reported incidents.

“Any incident of violence against medical students should be promptly investigated by the college management and (an) FIR should be lodged with the Police within six hours by the Head of the Institution. A detailed action taken report on any incident of violence should invariably be sent to the National Medical commission (NMC), within 48 hours of the incident,” the policy said.

All institutions should foster a respectful workplace culture, addressing harassment, bullying or discrimination, and promoting a culture of inclusivity and respect, it went on to say. “There must be zero tolerance for any harassment or bullying,” read the policy.

Prominent signage must be displayed in the campus stating that patients’ attendants and family must behave in respectful manner to all the medical and supporting staff.

“Signage highlighting the penal provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Odisha Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage of Properly) Act, 2008 should be placed in front of the health institutions,” the policy said.

It has also asked the police superintendents to take immediate and appropriate action under the law in order to discourage people from such activities.

All health institutions should maintain a close liaison with the inspector/SHO/Officer-in- Charge of the nearest police station.  All health institutions should have a perimeter boundary wall with defined entry and exit gates.

The entry of the general public and vehicles is to be regulated to stop use of health institution premises for thoroughfare. Besides, a visitors’ pass system is to be followed for indoor patients, the policy said.

“Only two entry passes are to be issued per patient, for attending the patient during official visiting hours and the attendants entering the ward should be frisked by the internal security guards to check for possession of any dangerous/objectionable items,” the policy said, adding that there should be duty rooms and washrooms for male and female doctors and nurses in all wards.