Bengal govt launches major security overhaul at 5 Kolkata hospitals, night patrols introduced

The West Bengal government has launched a major security and infrastructure overhaul at five government hospitals in Kolkata, introducing stricter surveillance, controlled access systems, and joint night patrols across hospital campuses. Kolkata Police has issued formal directives to the authorities of SSKM Hospital, RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital, Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, and National Medical College and Hospital to implement the new measures immediately.

According to the guidelines, police personnel posted at hospitals will be responsible for maintaining law and order, protecting patients, doctors, healthcare workers, and hospital property, and coordinating with hospital authorities and local police stations. Authorities have also directed hospitals to strengthen emergency response systems, including fire safety preparedness through ready-to-use fire extinguishers and hydrants. Wireless communication systems will be installed to ensure faster coordination during emergencies.

The new directives include tighter entry regulations at hospital gates, where visitors, attendants, and vehicles will undergo checking procedures before being allowed inside. Relatives of patients will be permitted entry only during designated visiting hours. Outside vehicles will face restrictions inside hospital campuses, while police personnel have also been instructed to prevent touts and illegal middlemen from operating within hospital premises.

The government has also ordered an increase in the number of security personnel deployed across the five hospitals. Joint night patrols involving police personnel and private security guards will be conducted regularly. Hospital authorities have been directed to prepare detailed duty rosters for security staff and ensure regular briefings before and after shifts. Additional emphasis has been placed on crowd management around emergency wards and outpatient departments.

The directives also focus on expanding CCTV surveillance and maintaining a central database containing details of private security guards, ambulance operators, and other personnel associated with hospital services. Authorities have been instructed to ensure adequate lighting arrangements throughout hospital campuses and to display emergency helpline numbers prominently. The measures were introduced following recent administrative reviews on hospital security and infrastructure in Kolkata.