Minister for retd. army personnel as security supervisors in govt. hospitals

Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha has directed health department officials that all government hospitals in the State hire retired army personnel as security supervisors, aiming to professionalise and strengthen hospital security across the city.

Speaking at a review meeting on Monday, the Minister said that security in hospitals must be managed by trained and physically fit personnel. He proposed that a significant portion of security staff be recruited from retired armed forces, with tender rules ensuring only those below 50 years of age are employed. CCTV monitoring rooms should be established in all hospitals, with security contracts including responsibilities for both monitoring and protection of doctors, medical staff, and patients.

Officials highlighted gaps in sanitation, security, patient care, and diet services. They noted that some contractors were hiring elderly and unfit personnel due to weak tender conditions. The Minister stressed that security staff play a vital role not just in safety but also in maintaining cleanliness alongside sanitation workers.

“Sanitation tenders should be stringent, with certified pest control included and scientific cleanliness standards enforced. In patient care, only qualified personnel such as ANMs should be employed, with at least 60% of staff being women. Diet policies are also to be strengthened, ensuring quality and nutritious food for patients, with compliance monitored through surprise inspections,” he said.