In a move aimed at strengthening security across government hospitals in Kolkata, Lalbazar has issued a detailed set of guidelines for police personnel and security staff deployed at medical institutions. The directive comes months after the RG Kar Medical College incident triggered nationwide outrage and renewed scrutiny over hospital safety.
According to the guidelines, police officers stationed at hospitals will be responsible for ensuring the safety of patients, doctors, healthcare workers, and hospital property, while also maintaining law and order inside the premises. Lalbazar has instructed them to remain in constant coordination with hospital authorities and local police stations whenever necessary.
The new measures were introduced shortly after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari held a meeting with health officials during a visit to SSKM Hospital. Following that meeting, Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nanda reportedly reviewed the security situation at hospitals with senior officers before the guidelines were formally issued.
One of the key focus areas in the directive is stricter control over hospital entry points. Lalbazar has instructed police personnel to ensure “proper and thorough checking” at main gates and regulate the movement of patients, visitors, and vehicles inside hospital campuses. The guidelines also specifically mention preventing the entry of touts and unauthorised persons into hospital premises.
The directive further calls for a structured deployment system for private security guards working at hospitals. Authorities have been asked to maintain detailed duty rosters, monitor attendance, and conduct daily briefings for security personnel before and after shifts.
Crowd management has also been identified as a priority concern, especially in emergency wards and outpatient departments where hospitals regularly witness heavy footfall. Police and security staff have been instructed to ensure that “discipline and order” are maintained outside OPD and emergency sections.
The guidelines place special emphasis on emergency preparedness as well. In the event of fires, natural disasters, or any untoward incident, personnel have been directed to take immediate action and quickly contact Lalbazar’s control room or the officer-in-charge of the local police station. Authorities have also been asked to ensure that hospital helpline numbers remain clearly visible across campuses.
