Visakhapatnam: need to strengthen security at KGH, say relatives of patients

‘There is a lack of proper supervision at the wards by the security personnel’

The recent incident of kidnap of a four-day-old baby girl from the Gynaecology Ward at King George Hospital (KGH) has sent shockwaves among the patients, hospital administration as well as the police. Police Commissioner Manish Kumar Sinha has stressed the need to strengthen security at the hospital premises.

The major problem which the patients and their guardians (relatives) point out is the lack of proper supervision at the wards by the security personnel. Relatives of a few patients allege that gaining entry into wards is a very simple task due to apathy and demanded increase in CCTV cameras.

“Unauthorised people are being allowed without proper verification at the wards. Some claim that they have brought food and some to see their relatives who came for delivery to enter the wards. We have seen people moving along the corridors with no reason,” said Krishna Rao, a patient’s relative.

Some of the working doctors, staff and senior doctors too express displeasure over the security personnel’s performance and also complain that many CCTV cameras are defunct. Entire security wing of the KGH was outsourced. The doctors say that lack of supervision on the security personnel is also a reason for such incidents.

“Due to their negligence, trespassing into wards has become a common activity. Strict action needs to be taken against some of irresponsible securitymen. There is no proper monitoring on security as of now. The Department Heads should be given the authority to keep a check on their functioning,” said a senior doctor from KGH.

Post the incident, the KGH officials have initiated temporary steps to strengthen the security at the hospital.

KGH Superintendent P. Mythili said that there are about 130 security personnel working at the KGH. Gynaecology and Paediatric Wards have more number of security personnel compared to other wards, keeping in view of safety of women and children. Around 10 security personnel will be deployed during the morning, since many O.P cases arrive. About seven or eight personnel perform duties during other sessions, she said. Being one of oldest buildings, the wards have many number of entries and exits, where monitoring movement of people is a tough task, she added.