Home guards deputed in govt hospitals for doctors’ safety

Concerned about the safety of doctors’ security, the CM promised the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) 500 home guards after incidents of violence against hospotal staff across Delhi.

The 500 home guards promised to the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) as a part of the negotiation for calling off the two-day strike of resident doctors, were deputed in Delhi government hospitals on Saturday.

“The home guards would be working in shifts and the first nine to four shift started today (Saturday). The rest will join duty from tomorrow,” said health minister Satyendra Jain.

After a fight broke out in the casualty department of Acharya Bhikshu Hospital on Friday, representative from FORDA met chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi health minister Satyendra Jain and health secretary Amar Nath.

Concerned about the safety of doctors’ security, the CM promised FORDA another 500 home guards would be provided if such incidents continued. “We are happy that the government is acting on its promise, however, much more is needed for the doctors’ protection,” FORDA president Pankaj Solanki said.

Within three days of the strike being called off, there have been eight incidents of hospital staff being injured in fights breaking out in various Delhi government hospitals, according to Solanki.