THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has decided to amend the law for the protection of hospitals to ensure the safety of doctors and healthcare professionals in the wake of Dr Vandana’s murder. An ordinance regarding the same will be introduced in the next cabinet meeting. The decision was taken in the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister.
The amendment of imprisonment of three to ten years and a fine of Rs 5 lakh is under consideration. Currently, the law ensures imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of Rs 50,000. The same was the demand raised by the IMA and KGOMA officials who met the Chief Minister yesterday. The amendment proposals will be submitted soon after discussion by the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary of Home department, Principal Secretary of Health department and Law Secretary. The proposals of KUHS, doctors and students’ organizations are also under consideration.
The Chief Minister has directed the health and home departments to take joint action for the safety of healthcare professionals. Security should be strengthened by dividing hospitals into three categories. Police outposts will be set up at medical colleges, district hospitals, general hospitals, women and children hospitals. SI, ASI and CPO will be appointed on deputation. Other hospitals will be under constant surveillance by the police.
The other directions include setting up closed circuit camera, warning system in all hospitals. It has also been instructed to conduct safety audit in all hospitals in every six months by Health and Home departments.
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