Govt hospitals hire strongmen

Bigger is better. At least that's the view of Delhi's government hospitals, which are looking at beefy private security guards to protect doctors from irate patients and their families.

Bigger is better. At least that's the view of Delhi's government hospitals, which are looking at beefy private security guards to protect doctors from irate patients and their families.

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In the last five years, instances of doctors getting roughed up have led to 15 strikes at Dayal Upadhyay (DDU), 12 at Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB), and eight at Lok Nayak - Delhi's three largest government hospitals.

"The new bunch is younger and bigger than previous guards, who weren't as effective," says Dr Promila Gupta, medical superintendent, DDU, which hired a security agency after three doctors were beaten up by a patient's family in April.

Now, burly guards are stationed at sensitive areas such as medical wards, labour rooms and the emergency. The move has put a stop to cases of violence at the hospital.

Pleased with the results, the Delhi government's department of health is planning a similar arrangement at other hospitals.

"GTB and Lok Nayak also report cases of violence. If it has worked in DDU, it should also work there," a senior official said.