Thiruvananthapuram: The Health Department’s declaration of installing CCTV cameras in all government hospitals across the state has proven to be nothing more than empty words. In reality, CCTV cameras are only installed in main centers like DHS, and not in any other locations as promised. The government’s sluggish approach in implementing this measure has resulted in significant criticism from health workers and the public alike.
The guidelines issued by the health department stated that CCTV cameras would be installed in all healthcare facilities, including primary health centers and district hospitals, throughout the state. Additionally, the guidelines mandated recording footage of the accused individuals being brought to the hospital for medical examination using CCTV or video. These new directives were prompted by the tragic incident involving Dr. Vandana Das, who was on duty at the Kottarakkara Taluk Hospital when she was attacked and killed by a person brought in for a medical examination.
Unfortunately, despite the announcements, CCTV cameras remain absent from most healthcare facilities, with installations limited to only the health department headquarters and a few essential health centers. The unofficial justification provided is the lack of funds allocated by the finance department for this purpose. Even the central government had issued directives to the states concerning hospital security.
As a result, there is widespread criticism among health workers, who perceive the health minister’s announcements to be empty promises, as has often been the case in the past.
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