West Bengal government gives status report on steps taken for medics’ safety

The Chief Secretary of West Bengal, Manoj Pant, has emailed protesting junior doctors outlining the government’s status report on health care initiatives aimed at improving safety and security in medical colleges across the state.
The Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government in West Bengal is making significant improvements to medical colleges and hospitals across the state, as per the status report.
As part of a comprehensive initiative, the government is installing a total of 7,051 CCTVs, building 893 new duty rooms, and constructing 778 washrooms in various medical facilities.
In an effort to ensure these projects are completed efficiently, the state government has allocated over Rs 113 crore specifically for improvements in medical colleges.
Additionally, proper lighting arrangements, alarm systems and biometric access control are also being implemented across all medical colleges and hospitals state-wide.
Most of these projects are progressing well, with over 90% nearing completion. The only exception is RG Kar Medical College, where the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the investigating authorities was received just two days ago. The government expects all ongoing projects to be completed by October 15, 2024.
To further enhance healthcare services, the West Bengal government has established a Stakeholders Committee in every medical college and hospital.
This committee will include department heads, senior and junior doctors, and nursing staff, ensuring comprehensive involvement from all healthcare stakeholders.
Additionally, a state-level Grievance Redressal Committee has been formed to address any concerns or complaints from the healthcare community. Stakeholders can report issues via email to this committee.
Any grievances, complaints or issues of concern from healthcare stakeholders can be reported to the State Grievance Redressal Committee via email at [email protected].
A centralised Grievance Redressal Helpline has been established to manage various grievances from different healthcare facilities, accessible through the toll-free number 1800-257-0511, the report stated.
The state Government has established a Committee for Security Audit of all Medical Colleges under the leadership of Shri Surajit Kar Purkayastha, IPS (Retd.), the former Director General of Police, West Bengal, to assess the various security protocols and electronic surveillance systems.
Other measures include a security audit committee for all medical colleges and the assignment of 1,113 dedicated women constables to ensure safety in medical facilities.