Bengal Govt to deploy retired police, armed forces officers in all state-run hospitals

In response to the tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College, the West Bengal state government has announced a series of robust measures to enhance security across all government hospitals. The move comes after a Supreme Court directive to fortify hospital security nationwide, following the heinous rape and murder of a medical student at the college.

To ensure the safety of healthcare workers and patients, the state government has decided to deploy retired police, army, navy, and air force officers in government medical colleges, district hospitals, and super specialty hospitals throughout Bengal. State Police ADG (Law and Order) Manoj Verma issued a directive on Tuesday, outlining the new security strategy.

The decision aligns with a Supreme Court order issued on the same day, where a division bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud emphasized the need to strengthen the security infrastructure in hospitals. The court recommended forming a task force dedicated to ensuring the safety of healthcare workers.

According to the notice issued by the state police, Superintendents of Police and Commissioners have been instructed to gather information on retired police inspectors and SPs who left service within the past two years and are still physically fit and willing to oversee hospital security. Similarly, lists of interested retired army, navy, and air force officers are also being prepared. These retired officers or staff must apply by August 24th, and the remuneration for the 'security officer' or security supervision roles is negotiable.

In line with the Supreme Court's proposal, the hospitals' task force will include nine doctors. The task force's mission is to guarantee the safety of all medical service providers, eliminate violence or gender discrimination, and establish a code of practice that fosters a secure working environment for doctors and trainees.