Proposal mooted to have CCTV cameras monitor TB Hospital in Sewri

In order to maintain the safety of patients as well as staff members, the Group of TB Hospital in Sewri has proposed the installation of CCTV cameras in its premises. According to the public health department officials, the security team and hospital's staff have come together to identify 119 locations in the premises where CCTVs can be installed.

Officials said the plan will soon be discussed in greater detail, after which its implementation will be finalised. Dr Santosh Revankar, joint health executive of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)'s public health department, said, "The security in-charge and hospital authority has spotted 119 locations inside the hospital premises where CCTV cameras can be installed. A plan will be drawn up considering these spots. Depending on this plan, we will shortlist which locations need cameras on priority, and what their operating hours should be."

He said that the cameras alone will take care of the hospital's security needs. "We don't need to increase the number of security guards. Once the cameras are installed, our problems will be resolved," he added.

It may be recalled that a few patients from the hospital's pediatric ward absconded, following which nurses were suspended and parents complained of misbehaviour by the staff.

"Instead of keeping a written complaint book, the doctor-in-charge of the ward will head to the ward. Patients of their relatives can either give a verbal complaint or hand it in writing to the authority," Dr Revankar added.

Furthermore, in the last week of September, after being threatened by the nursing staff at the pediatric ward, several mothers took back six children without getting a proper discharge from the hospital. Steps taken by the authorities after incidents of misbehaviour by the staff were highlighted.

WILL IT HELP?

• 119 locations spotted in the premises where CCTVs can be installed. 
   
• Mothers had taken their babies from the pediatric ward last month and absconded without checking out.