Kolkata, 20 May (H.S.) : The Bharatiya Janata Party-led West Bengal government has initiated a major security and infrastructure overhaul at five prominent government hospitals in Kolkata. The state administration has directed authorities to implement stricter surveillance measures, controlled access systems, and joint night patrols across hospital campuses.
Kolkata Police has issued directives to the authorities of SSKM Hospital, Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital, RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, National Medical College and Hospital, and Calcutta Medical College and Hospital to enforce the new security protocols with immediate effect.
According to senior government officials, strict police surveillance will continue to prevent incidents of disorder and damage to government property within hospital premises. Authorities warned that individuals found vandalising public property would face heavy fines and imprisonment under relevant legal provisions.
Under the revised arrangements, all five hospitals will be equipped with wireless communication systems to ensure swift coordination during emergencies. Superintendents and principals of the hospitals and medical colleges will remain in direct contact with local police stations, divisional control rooms, and Lalbazar, the headquarters of Kolkata Police.
The government has also instructed hospitals to strengthen fire safety preparedness. Fire extinguishers and hydrants will be kept ready for immediate use, while hospital authorities have been asked to maintain close coordination with the fire department. Joint night patrols involving police personnel and private security guards will also be introduced on hospital campuses.
Officials said the number of security guards at all five hospitals would be increased significantly. Strict screening procedures will now be enforced at hospital entry points, and visitors and attendants will be allowed entry only after proper checks.
Authorities have further decided to restrict unrestricted movement within hospital premises. Relatives of patients will be permitted entry only during designated visiting hours, while outside vehicles will face strict restrictions inside the campuses.
A comprehensive database of private security guards, ambulance operators, and other hospital-linked personnel is expected to be prepared within the next month.
The administration has also launched measures to prevent illegal parking within hospital compounds. Except for vehicles belonging to patients’ families, doctors, and healthcare workers, no other vehicles will be allowed inside the premises. Officials added that areas outside the main hospital gates would be cleared of encroachments and hawkers. Helpline numbers for doctors, nurses, and patients will also be prominently displayed across the hospital campuses.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
