NMC’s strict order regarding safety of doctors in medical colleges, issues new guidelines

New Delhi. The National Medical Commission (NMC) on Tuesday issued an advisory for all medical colleges and institutions. This advisory has been issued in view of the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata as well as incidents of attack on doctors in other medical colleges of the country.

Medical colleges directed to develop a safe workspace policy

NMC has directed all medical colleges to develop a safe workspace policy. This policy will ensure that all staff, faculty, medical students and resident doctors can work in a safe environment in the hospital and college premises. Under the Medical Colleges Safety Policy, adequate steps will be taken to enhance safety in OPDs, wards, casualty, hostels and other open areas.

Give priority to security within the medical college campus

NMC has advised medical colleges to prioritise security within their premises. The advisory emphasises the need to deploy adequate security staff (male and female) in OPDs, wards, labour rooms, hostels and residential quarters and other sensitive areas. Apart from this, the use of CCTV surveillance has been suggested. Medical colleges and hospitals have been advised to keep the corridors and premises well-lit in the evening to create a safe environment for the staff.

It is mandatory to send a detailed report of the action taken on the incident of violence to NMC within 48 hours 

NMC has also directed that any incident of violence against medical students should be investigated immediately by the college administration. Along with this, instructions have been given to register FIR against cases of violence as soon as possible so that the legal process can be started. It has been said that it will be mandatory to send a detailed report of the action taken on any incident of violence to the National Medical Commission (NMC) within 48 hours.

Ensuring safe workplace for doctors and students in medical colleges

The main objective of this advisory of NMC is to ensure a safe workplace for doctors and students in medical colleges. Under this new policy of NMC, security arrangements will be tightened in various parts of colleges and hospitals. NMC said that this step will strengthen the sense of security and respect towards the medical community, which will make the environment of the institutions more safe and supportive.

Emphasis on increasing CCTV coverage in medical colleges

The NMC advisory also emphasizes on increasing CCTV coverage within colleges and hospitals. This will improve the surveillance of sensitive areas. Any antisocial activity can also be monitored. NMC has said that the purpose of increasing CCTV coverage in medical colleges and hospitals is to prevent potential threats in such places and to promote a sense of security among the staff.

Every possible step should be taken to ensure safety

NMC has given special instructions to medical colleges for security, including the formation of special teams to ensure the safety of staff and students. The college administration has been advised to prioritize security measures and update them from time to time. All possible steps should be taken to ensure safety as per the g