Health Dept to introduce colour-coded ID cards for govt hospital staff from June 1

The state Health Department has initiated the rollout of separate colour-coded identity cards for doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, administrative employees, and other healthcare workers across government hospitals and medical colleges from June 1. The move follows a high-level meeting held at SSKM Hospital on May 15, where Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari reviewed hospital security, accountability, and staff identification systems.

According to the Health Department directive, the new identity card system is aimed at ensuring quicker identification of hospital personnel and improving security arrangements within government healthcare institutions. Officials stated that repeated complaints regarding unauthorised entry, security lapses, and difficulties in verifying staff identities led to the decision to introduce separate colour-based identification categories.

In the first phase, the project will be implemented across major government hospitals and medical colleges in Kolkata, including SSKM Hospital, RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, NRS Medical College, Kolkata Medical College, and National Medical College. Separate nodal officers will be appointed at each institution to supervise coordination and implementation of the programme.

The department has instructed all participating institutions to arrange high-speed internet connectivity, dedicated office desks, IT personnel, and volunteers for smooth execution of the process. The online registration procedure for healthcare workers will begin on May 25 and is scheduled to be completed by May 28.

Under the new system, employees from different categories of healthcare services will receive identity cards in separate colours. Staff members will be required to upload photographs and signatures through a designated online portal, after which the cards will be generated and distributed through the respective nodal officers at each institution.