Delhi: Do doctors in govt. hospitals feel safe now?

In Delhi, government hospital doctors continue to face significant safety risks, with inadequate security measures compounding their vulnerability. Despite high-profile incidents of violence and repeated assurances from authorities, a lack of concrete action leaves medical professionals exposed to abuse and harm within hospital premises.

The promises made by Delhi’s Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj, including the installation of armed guards, CCTV cameras, and metal detectors, remain largely unfulfilled. This inaction persists even after nationwide protests, such as those following the tragic Kolkata rape case, highlighted the urgent need for improved security in healthcare settings.

A ground report by Patriot uncovers the stark reality of safety measures in several prominent government hospitals across the national capital.

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Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) hospital: Promises on paper, not on the ground

Located in Shahdara, GTB Hospital serves as a crucial healthcare centre for East Delhi and neighbouring states. However, security at the facility remains woefully inadequate despite assurances from the authorities.

Dr Rajat Sharma, president of the Resident Doctors Association (RDA) at GTB Hospital, revealed, “The situation has not improved a bit despite major incidents and numerous protests demanding basic security facilities for doctors.”

He further explained that while the approval for additional guards exists on paper, no real action has been taken. Handheld metal detectors, which are frequently non-functional, are the only tools available to security personnel. Moreover, there are no armed guards, and CCTV cameras are yet to be installed, with the administration still conducting surveys.

“To protect ourselves, we have created a WhatsApp group that includes police personnel to ensure quick action during incidents of violence,” Dr Sharma added. This year, GTB Hospital made headlines when a male patient was gunned down inside the hospital on July 14, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced security.

Lok Nayak Hospital (LNH): Minimal changes, persistent risk

Despite being equipped with over 1,597 beds, LNH has made little progress in implementing safety Metal detectors have been installed at the Lok Nayak Hospital’s emergency entrance, but the gate isn’t access-controlled measures. Dr Soumit Dey, RDA president, expressed his disappointment, stating, “The administration has only improved campus lighting and deployed a minimal number of guards at select locations. However, these guards remain unarmed and lack proper equipment.”

Dr Dey also pointed out issues with the hospital’s CCTV cameras, noting that footage is often unavailable and many cameras are likely non-functional. Although the emergency entrance is equipped with metal detectors, other gates remain unmonitored, rendering the security measures ineffective. “The guards are least interested in enforcing safety protocols,” he added.

Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) hospital: Safety measures still missing

At DDU Hospital, which has a 500-bed capacity, the story is no different. Dr Vipin Kumar, president of the RDA, stated, “Doctors here are giving their best to provide quality healthcare, but the administration and state government are ignoring their safety.”

He lamented that directives from the state government remain unimplemented on the ground, leaving medical professionals exposed to violence. The hospital administration declined to comment on the issue.

Safdarjung Hospital: Better but still lacking

As the second-largest government hospital in Delhi, Safdarjung Hospital has implemented some security measures, such as CCTV cameras in the emergency department. However, Dr Ayush Raj, RDA president, noted, “The lack of armed guards and metal detectors at key entrances remains a concern, especially given incidents at other hospitals in the city.”

The administration of Safdarjung Hospital did not respond to requests for comment.

Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) hospital: Security gaps persist

Despite its 1,420-bed capacity, RML Hospital is yet to implement basic safety measures such as armed guards, CCTV cameras, and metal detectors. A resident doctor, speaking anonymously, remarked, “No tangible action has been taken to ensure the safety of doctors despite repeated incidents of violence.”

The hospital administration also declined to comment on the matter. The hospital administration also declined to comment on the matter.

AIIMS and others hospitals: A mixed picture

Unlike other government hospitals, AIIMS has comprehensive security measures in place, including CCTV cameras and armed guards, making it a rare exception. However, other institutions such as Govind Ballabh Pant, Deep Chand Bandhu, Indira Gandhi, and Baba Saheb Ambedkar hospitals continue to struggle with inadequate security infrastructure.

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The horrific incident that reignited demands

The need for robust safety measures gained renewed attention after the rape and murder of a 31-year-old resident doctor in Kolkata. Her semi-nude body was discovered on August 9 in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College after she had gone to rest following a gruelling 36-hour shift. The autopsy confirmed sexual assault and murder, with injuries including a broken neck bone. This horrific case sparked nationwide protests demanding better protection for medical professionals.