“While security protocols are necessary for any hospital, there have been frequent reports of patients and their attendants facing undue harassment by security staff. This ranges from unnecessary questioning and delays in gaining entry to rude behavior and even outright refusal to allow entry”
The decision by SKIMS (Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences) Srinagar to streamline patient entry after 3 pm by mandating security checks is a well-intentioned step towards maintaining order and ensuring the smooth functioning of public hospitals. With hospitals often bustling with patients and their attendants, crowd management can be a complex challenge, especially in a facility like SKIMS, which caters to a large number of people. Proper security measures can help manage the flow of patients, prevent overcrowding, and enhance the safety of both staff and patients. However, the current deployment of security personnel in hospitals has raised concerns about the conduct of these personnel and the treatment of patients and their attendants. While security protocols are necessary for any hospital, there have been frequent reports of patients and their attendants facing undue harassment by security staff. This ranges from unnecessary questioning and delays in gaining entry to rude behavior and even outright refusal to allow entry, often leading to stressful encounters. For people already distressed by illness, injury, or medical emergencies, these confrontations add an additional layer of trauma. A system designed to protect and streamline hospital operations should not, under any circumstances, turn into a source of harassment or inconvenience. The challenge lies in striking the right balance between enforcing necessary security measures and ensuring that patients and their families are treated with dignity and respect. A rigid approach that adds unnecessary red tape for patients entering hospitals, especially in cases of emergencies, can do more harm than good. It is imperative that the security measures in place do not become a hurdle for those seeking timely medical attention. Patients should feel supported, not obstructed, by the presence of security personnel.
“Patients and their families should never be made to feel like intruders in a place that exists to serve them. By implementing a patient-friendly security system that emphasizes both efficiency and compassion, hospitals like SKIMS can ensure that their security protocols enhance rather than hinder patient care. Ultimately, the goal should be to foster an environment where both security personnel and healthcare staff work together seamlessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all patients. With thoughtful policies and regular oversight, public hospitals can create a system that is secure, efficient, and most importantly, humane”.
One way to address these concerns is to establish a clear and transparent grievance redressal mechanism for patients and their attendants. Such a system could allow them to report any mistreatment or harassment they encounter at the hands of security personnel. This mechanism should be easy to access and responsive, ensuring that complaints are taken seriously and action is taken when necessary. This would provide a much-needed safeguard against any overreach or abuse of power by security staff. Additionally, security personnel must be trained to handle their duties with professionalism, empathy, and tact. Their primary role should be to ensure safety while facilitating a smooth and compassionate experience for patients. Regular sensitization programs should be conducted to make security staff aware of the stresses that patients and their families face. They should be trained in conflict resolution, de-escalation tactics, and the importance of respectful communication. Hospitals are places where human lives are at stake, and every interaction matters. Patients and their families should never be made to feel like intruders in a place that exists to serve them. By implementing a patient-friendly security system that emphasizes both efficiency and compassion, hospitals like SKIMS can ensure that their security protocols enhance rather than hinder patient care. Ultimately, the goal should be to foster an environment where both security personnel and healthcare staff work together seamlessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all patients. With thoughtful policies and regular oversight, public hospitals can create a system that is secure, efficient, and most importantly, humane.
