21 august 2024 : In view of recent incidents of violence against medical staff, Rajindra Hospital — in an unprecedented move — has decided to set up an eight-member quick response team (QRT) comprising bouncers to manage security. These tall, muscular men will be responsible for controlling unruly crowds and preventing vandalism.
The decision to deploy bouncers came after the Resident Doctors Association (RDA) of Government Medical College and Rajindra Hospital threatened to intensify its protests over inadequate security measures. Its demand gained momentum following the horrific rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Hospital, Kolkata.
“We demanded bouncer security following the rising incidents of violence against doctors and vandalism by relatives of victims. The hospital has also become a hotbed of gang wars, with rival groups attacking one another on the premises. Often, doctors and paramedical staff get caught in the crossfire,” said Dr Akshay Seth, RDA president.
The bouncers will work in two shifts (a batch of four each) and get a separate enclosure near the emergency ward.
Concerned over lax security, the RDA members had refused to return to work until adequate safety measures were implemented. They claimed that the existing security staff was not equipped to handle violent situations and would merely look on as mere spectators during incidents. Women doctors were particularly vulnerable, with security personnel having to escort them to their hostels or parking areas.
The doctors have also demanded the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras covering every corner of the hospital, establishment of a central control room with a giant screen for monitoring and proper illumination of dark spots within the premises, issuance of visitor passes to restrict unauthorised access, closure of all gates at night except one, where guards would be stationed, prohibition of videography and increased police control room patrol in the area.
MLA Ajitpal Singh Kohli, who participated in the doctors’ strike, assured them that their demands would be taken up and addressed promptly. He said the bouncers would be deployed within a few days and additional CCTV cameras would be installed immediately. Deputy Commissioner Shokat Ahmed Pare, SSP Nanak Singh and Warehouse Vice-Chairman Inderjit Singh Sandhu were among those present during the strike.
