The horrific event at Kolkata's R.G.Kar College has not only caused tension in West Bengal but has also brought to light severe concerns regarding the safety and facilities of senior and junior resident doctors in government hospitals. Through ground reporting, India Today assessed the conditions and environment during night shifts for doctors in these hospitals.
Conditions at Balrampur Hospital, Lucknow
At 12:15 AM, the India Today team visited Balrampur Hospital in Lucknow. Here, resident doctors, nurses, and other staff members were on their duty, caring for patients. Nursing head Seema mentioned that situations often become uncomfortable with patients’ family members, especially when they insist on staying inside the ward. Although security guards are stationed at the entrance, CCTV cameras are installed, and access is restricted, handling issues with patients’ families remains challenging and could lead to incidents.
Misbehavior by Suspicious Attendants
A resident doctor shared that the night shift typically lasts 12 hours and requires constant monitoring. It’s particularly tough for female staff as working late night poses continual risks. Although no major incidents have occurred yet, dealing with suspicious individuals posing as attendants who misbehave with the staff is quite difficult.
Dire Situation at Balrampur Hospital
The team noticed that guards at the new building of Balrampur Hospital lacked any security equipment. If an incident occurs, the only recourse is calling the police. Despite the corridors being well-lit and monitored by CCTV cameras, the guards routinely claim to inspect the hospital during night shifts. Despite the precautions, the doctors’ duty room had a shared small washroom that four staff members use.
Uninvited Guests in Duty Rooms
At 1:30 AM, the team visited Veerangana Avanti Bai Women’s Hospital, specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. Resident doctor Dr. Shilpi stated that discomfort and safety in duty rooms are their key concerns. Doors to duty rooms can’t be locked from inside; often, family members forcibly enter, rest, and use washrooms, causing significant distress to female doctors.
Mischief by Anti-Social Elements
Dr. Shilpi mentioned that anti-social elements often enter as attendants and reach doctors’ rooms, where guards have to force them out. These people misbehave with the staff, making female doctors feel unsafe. Security guard Ram Bahadur at the entrance said usually, only one attendant is allowed per patient, but many times, people force their way in and demand to stay with the patient. Monitoring such strict elements is tough, and calling the police is often the only solution.
Fear Among Night Shift Nurses
Another nurse, Shanti, shared that she often feels unsafe during late-night shifts due to anti-social elements invading the privacy of female staff. She pointed out the need for more security arrangements in the hospital and at least one police constable during the night shift.
Government General Hospital (GGH), Vijayawada
The team also visited the Government General Hospital in Vijayawada. On reaching there at 11:30 PM, they observed 7-8 security guards at the entrance, strictly checking the entrants. The hospital, which has a multi-specialty unit at the back block, features well-lit corridors and CCTV cameras at each entry point for reinforced security. At around midnight, the hospital was active with staff and attendants on their duties. The reporter was stopped and checked by the guards while trying to breach the security cordon, ensuring only those with valid reasons were allowed inside. The stringent security measures highlighted a priority on patient and staff safety.
Thiruvananthapuram Medical College
Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, the most prominent hospital in Kerala's capital, revealed large crowds during the team’s visit at 12:30 AM. With ambulances frequently bringing in patients to the emergency department, the hospital required an OP (Out Patient) ticket for entry, and patients had to wait with their attendants. Filming inside the hospital was prohibited without prior permission. CCTV, security guards, and two police officers patrolled outside the emergency area, closely monitoring any activity with the medical college police station situated nearby.
KC General Hospital, Malleswaram
KC General Hospital in Malleswaram exposed severe security and basic facility deficiencies. The emergency building had no security personnel, dimly lit interior areas, and poor facilities in doctors’ restrooms. The specialist doctors' room, meant for the doctors to take a break, was in a deplorable state, with an empty and barren floor, highlighting significantly below-standard conditions. The corridors outside the doctors' room were empty, dimly lit, with no security arrangements, raising valid concerns over the doctors' safety.
