Jaisalmer: In government hospitals in western Rajasthan, doctors have been designated as nodal officers to ensure the removal of stray dogs from hospital premises and to coordinate with local bodies for their capture. The arrangement was implemented under directives issued to comply with Supreme Court orders and has been put into effect at Pratapnagar and Mandore Satellite Hospital in Jodhpur, and Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer.The administration of Jawahar Hospital said the step was taken to tackle the growing ‘terror of dogs’ in the hospital. After directives from the health dept in Jaipur, the hospital management decided that the hospital will be made a complete ‘Dog Free Zone.’ The responsibility for the initiative has been handed to dental specialist Dr. Sardararam Panwar, who was tasked with monitoring the situation and coordinating action.
Meanwhile in Jodhpur, Dr. Naresh Chauhan at Pratapnagar Hospital and Dr. Nirmala Bishnoi at Mandore Satellite Hospital were appointed as nodal officers.Principal medical officer of Jawahar Hospital, Dr. Ravindra Sankhla, said that the state govt has issued directives that hospital premises must remain free of stray dogs. He said that gates will remain closed, boundary walls will be raised where needed, and coordination will be maintained with the municipal council team to catch and remove stray dogs. Other measures outlined by the state govt include strict vigilance at entrances, securing gates, regular coordination with the municipal team to safely remove dogs present inside the premises and release them far away, and preparation of reports from time to time in line with health dept directives to be sent to officials.Dr. Sankhla said patient safety is paramount, and that it is often seen that stray dogs remain stationed around hospital wards, OPD and garbage bins. He said this creates fear and poses risks of infection and accidents, therefore; the hospital administration will make sure no compromise will be made with cleanliness, safety and health standards.Patients and their families welcomed the decision and said this would bring relief and make hospitals safer for those seeking treatment.
