SRINAGAR, AUGUST 29: In the wake of a tragic incident involving the rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata, Lal Ded (LD) Hospital in Srinagar has swiftly implemented enhanced safety measures to protect its staff, particularly its predominantly female workforce. The hospital, which serves as the primary maternity facility in Kashmir, has bolstered its security by installing additional CCTV cameras, increasing the number of security personnel, and forming dedicated committees to prevent harassment and ensure a safer working environment.
An official informed to a local news agency of Kashmir that the hospital, which serves as the only tertiary-cum-maternity facility in the Kashmir division and caters to patients from across the region, including Kargil, has expanded its CCTV camera coverage.
“The existing camera system was not sufficient to cover all the sensitive areas of the hospital. We have now installed 30 to 40 high-resolution cameras in vital areas,” he said.
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He said that in addition to the enhanced surveillance system, the number of security personnel has been increased to monitor for any suspicious activities, prevent theft of public property or newborns and ensure a safe environment for all.
The hospital has reconstituted a team to address sexual harassment issues, the official said. This team, comprising senior members, is tasked with ensuring a prompt and effective response to any allegations of sexual harassment within the hospital.
The committee includes Dr Shagufta Rather, Professor of Gynecology at LDH/GMC Srinagar, Dr Mehraj-Ud-Din, Associate Professor of Gynecology at LDH/GMC Srinagar, Dr Sameena Maqbool, Medical Officer at LDH Srinagar, and Mohammad Yousuf Bhat (ASI) of the Jammu & Kashmir Police, who is on deputation at the hospital.
The hospital has also established a committee focused on “Hospital Security and Violence Prevention”, the official said, adding that a dedicated resting room for female doctors on night shifts has also been arranged to ensure their comfort and safety.
“An emergency helpline, 112, will soon be operational to allow any complaints to be registered promptly,” the official said, adding that regular police verification is being conducted for contractual staff and outsourced employees to ensure security protocols are upheld— (KNO)
