The Kerala government has initiated a comprehensive space audit to ensure the safety of employees in the state's medical colleges in the wake of protests by healthcare professionals against rape and murder of a resident doctor at a hospital in Kolkata.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George directed the Director of Medical Education to conduct the audit during a high-level meeting with medical college officials, the government announced in a statement on Tuesday. The audit aims to address safety concerns within medical institutions across the state.
The space audits will be carried out at both the institution and state levels, with principals of medical colleges and the Director of Medical Education overseeing the process. The audit is part of a broader set of safety measures ordered by Minister George to enhance security in medical colleges. These measures include organizing mock drills, installing public address systems, CCTVs, and alarms, using walkie-talkies, intensifying security monitoring, and prohibiting unauthorized individuals from staying inside hospitals at night, according to the statement, as quoted by IANS.
Additionally, the minister emphasised the importance of ensuring the safety of female employees returning to hostels after night shifts. She also called for a collaborative plan with the district administration to protect hospital staff and visitors from stray dog attacks.
As part of the enhanced security protocol, George directed all medical colleges to implement the Code Gray protocol, which is activated when someone, including a patient, exhibits aggressive or violent behavior. The minister noted that medical colleges are already conducting various audits, including security, fire, electrical, and lift audits, to safeguard employees and patients.
The minister praised the efforts of hospitals that have been proactive in ensuring safety based on previous audits. She also highlighted the importance of checking specific areas such as duty rooms, examination rooms, and restrooms as part of the safety audit.
The directive comes amid widespread protests across Kerala on August 17, during which all non-emergency medical services, including outpatient departments (OPDs), were disrupted as doctors and nurses demonstrated against the rape and murder of the Kolkata doctor.