Thiruvananthapuram: In the wake of recent attacks on hospitals in Kerala, state police chief convened a high-level meeting with office-bearers of Indian Medical Association (IMA) to strengthen coordination between law enforcement and the healthcare sector, and to ensure enhanced security at medical institutions.The meeting, chaired by police chief Anil Kant, was held following a request from IMA state unit. Kant presented statistics on hospital attacks reported in recent years and reviewed the progress of legal action in such cases. ADGP Venkatesh briefed the gathering on the status of ongoing investigations, while ADGP P Vijayan outlined the nature of the attacks and the challenges faced by police in handling them. IMA leaders highlighted the impact of violence on the healthcare sector and placed IMA’s recommendations before the meeting. IMA leaders made a detailed presentation.
Following deliberations, the meeting decided to ensure prompt registration of FIRs in all hospital attack cases, invoking provisions of Hospital Protection Act, 2023, along with relevant sections of IPC. District police chiefs or senior officers nominated by them will directly monitor such cases and ensure timely action, including identification and arrest of accused persons. It was also decided to deploy adequate security personnel in vulnerable areas of govt hospitals and to strengthen coordination with district-level IMA representatives. Hospital authorities were asked to identify high-risk periods and locations and alert police in advance. Doctors and staff will be advised to communicate treatment details clearly to patients and relatives to minimise misunderstandings.
