Ferozepur: In light of increasing incidents of violence against doctors and medical staff, Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Dhiman has established the District Health Board under the Punjab government's directives. Civil Surgeon Dr. Rajvinder Kaur and other key officials attended the board's formation.
Presiding over the meeting, DC Dhiman emphasized the need for the board to address the growing safety concerns among healthcare professionals. The board will review security measures at healthcare facilities through monthly meetings to ensure the protection of medical staff.
Key discussions included implementing the Punjab Protection of Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, 2008. The board will also work on enhancing security at health facilities, including the installation of CCTV cameras and adequate lighting. Additionally, a five-member internal committee, led by the health facility in charge and comprising at least three female members, will be set up to handle cases of sexual harassment.
Patients with grievances related to treatment provided by healthcare professionals can report their concerns to the District Grievance Redressal Committee, which will investigate and take appropriate action.
The District Health Board will include members such as the SSP Ferozepur, Civil Surgeon Ferozepur, representatives from the District PCMS Association, the District IMA President, paramedical staff, social service organizations, and the District Attorney. Civil Surgeon Dr. Rajvinder Kaur mentioned that informational boards about the District Health Board and the Grievance Redressal Committee will be installed across all health institutions.
Attendees at the meeting included Assistant Civil Surgeon Dr Sushma Thakkar, Senior Medical Officer of Civil Hospital Ferozepur Dr Nikhil Gupta, DSP Naveen Kumar, Deputy District Attorney Amit Goklani, IMA President Dr Jatinder Kochhar, PCMS General Secretary Dr Yugpreet Singh, Dr Naveen Sethi, District Mass Media Officer Sanjeev Sharma, Deputy Mass Media Officer Ankush Bhandari, and representatives from various social service organizations, including Praveen Kumar, Diwan Chand, Kishan Chand Jagowalia, and Vikas Kalra.