STAFF A REPORTER
GUWAHATI: In a significant judgment, the Gauhati High Court has asked the State Government to take a slew of measures, including the installation of CCTV cameras, in all hospitals, nursing homes etc., to ensure adequate security for doctors and other healthcare workers in the state.
The High Court issued the order after hearing two PILs – 4/2021 (suo motto) and 33/2021 – filed in connection with the assault on medical workers, including Dr Seuj Kumar Senapati, at Udal Model Hospital, Hojai on June 1, 2021.
The High Court directed the State Government to file an appropriate application before the competent jurisdictional Court to expedite the trial of the Lanka PS case (370/2021) registered in connection with an incident at Udali Model Hospital in Hojai on June 1, 2021, when the attendants of a patient and others assaulted Dr Seuj Kumar Senapati.
The Court also directed the State Government to install CCTV cameras working in all the hospitals, nursing homes, medical centres and medicare service institutions run by the State Government as early as possible. The Court also directed the State Government to monitor the installations of the CCTVs.
The Court directed the State Government to display a board in every hospital and healthcare institution to the effect that 'any act of violence against healthcare service personnel is a punishable offence liable for imprisonment and fine' with particulars of the police station, the contact number of the police station and its officer-in-charge.
The Court asked the State Government to issue appropriate direction informing the general public that no weapon/firearm is allowed inside healthcare institutions.
The Court asked the State Government to install a separate toll-free number for lodging complaints regarding any act of violence against healthcare service personnel or breach of the provisions of the Assam Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, 2011.
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