RG Kar Medical College: A year after the tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital that shook the medical community and the city, the campus now presents a visibly different security environment. Surveillance cameras, enhanced lighting, 24×7 guards, and restricted access points have become part of daily life for doctors, nurses, and patients.
However, many within the institution — from junior doctors to nursing staff — stress that while the physical safety measures have improved dramatically, other crucial needs remain unmet, leaving healthcare workers and students still vulnerable in certain respects.
RG Kar Medical College: From Vulnerability to Vigilance
Last year’s incident, which involved the assault and death of a young doctor, sparked widespread protests across West Bengal and beyond. The event ignited debates about hospital safety, women’s security, and the broader state of healthcare infrastructure.
Today, the changes are noticeable at the RG Kar campus. CCTV cameras cover nearly every corner, entry and exit points are strictly monitored, and visitors must register before entry. “There is certainly a difference in how secure the premises feel now,” said a second-year postgraduate medical student. “But security is not just about gates and guards — it’s about creating a workplace where we feel respected, supported, and equipped.”
What Has Changed in the Past Year
- 24×7 Security Staff – The hospital now employs additional security personnel trained in handling both crowd management and sensitive situations involving patients or their families.
- Improved Surveillance – High-definition CCTV cameras have been installed in corridors, wards, and outdoor areas. Footage is stored for an extended period to aid investigations if needed.
- Restricted Access – Entry to sensitive areas like operation theatres, ICUs, and certain laboratories is limited to authorized staff only.
- Lighting & Infrastructure – Dark corridors, stairwells, and campus pathways have been fitted with better lighting systems to ensure visibility at night.
Gaps That Still Concern Medical Staff
While physical safety measures have improved, doctors and nurses point out that systemic changes are equally important:
- Staff Shortages: Many wards remain understaffed, causing fatigue and making healthcare workers more vulnerable to stress-related incidents.
- Mental Health Support: Following last year’s tragedy, demands for in-house mental health counselling for medical staff have been repeatedly raised, but initiatives remain sporadic.
- Grievance Redressal Mechanism: Junior doctors argue that there is still no transparent, independent body within the hospital to address harassment or safety complaints promptly.
- Emergency Response Systems: While there are security guards, there is no formal “panic button” system to immediately alert authorities in case of an emergency.
A Broader Issue Across India
Security in hospitals is a national concern. A National Medical Commission (NMC) advisory in 2023 had urged all medical institutions to implement standardised safety protocols. Yet, compliance remains inconsistent across states.
In several cities, incidents of violence against doctors have continued despite improved security infrastructure. A 2022 Indian Medical Association (IMA) report revealed that over 75% of doctors in India have faced some form of workplace violence during their careers — often in the form of verbal abuse, threats, or physical assault.
(Reference: IMA Study on Violence Against Doctors)
The Sentiment on Campus
Conversations with medical students and nurses at RG Kar show a mix of relief and caution. “We are grateful for the security upgrades, but they came at the cost of a young doctor’s life,” said a nursing staff member. “We can’t allow this to be just a short-term fix. Security must be sustained, and the work environment must be improved.”
Others express frustration that administrative transparency is still lacking. Several point to the need for a stronger Zero Tolerance Policy against harassment, intimidation, and gender-based violence within medical institutions.
Community & Government Response
The West Bengal health department has claimed that it is working toward standardised hospital security models that will include:
- Compulsory security audits every six months
- Mandatory installation of panic alert systems
- Gender-sensitive training for hospital staff and guards
These measures are expected to roll out gradually across state-run hospitals. However, senior doctors note that for any policy to work, implementation and accountability must be taken seriously.
Looking Ahead: Building a Safer Medical Workplace
Experts say that improving hospital safety requires a multi-pronged approach:
- Technology Integration – Beyond CCTV, hospitals should adopt biometric access systems and mobile-based SOS apps for staff.
- Training & Sensitisation – Guards, staff, and even patients’ families should be educated about codes of conduct and conflict de-escalation.
- Workload Management – Adequate staffing ensures that healthcare workers are not overburdened, reducing tensions and errors.
- Cultural Change – Hospitals must actively foster an environment of respect for doctors, nurses, and patients alike.
The transformation of RG Kar Medical College over the past year shows that change is possible when tragedy sparks collective action. But as many doctors remind us, true safety is not just the presence of cameras and guards — it is the assurance that every person inside the hospital is valued, respected, and protected.
External Reference Links:
- Indian Medical Association – Violence Against Doctors
- National Medical Commission Guidelines on Hospital Safety
- World Health Organization – Health Workforce Safety and Protection
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