Mumbai: Security to be heightened at city’s civic hospitals

Doctors at Cooper Hospital were assaulted on November 8, after the death of a woman. FILE PIC/SATEJ SHINDE

In the aftermath of the recent security lapse at Cooper Hospital, wherein three doctors were assaulted by the kin of a patient after the latter was declared dead, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated a system-wide review of safety protocols across all its hospitals.

Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Public Health) Sharad Ughade, in a meeting conducted late on Monday, issued a formal communication to assistant security officers (officials responsible for security at civic hospitals) seeking detailed recommendations on security changes required at each hospital - from peripheral to major civic hospitals across the city.

Hospital deans and medical superintendents have been directed to assess existing arrangements, identify vulnerabilities, and propose both immediate and long-term upgrades. "The objective is to develop hospital-specific security plans instead of a uniform model, acknowledging that infrastructure, patient load, and spatial challenges vary significantly across BMC establishments," Ughade told mid-day.

Parallel discussions are underway on whether Maharashtra Security Force (MSF) personnel can be deployed, if not at all, at least at larger peripheral hospitals. Currently, MSF has a presence only at three major BMC hospitals - KEM, Nair and Sion hospitals. "Extending its services is being considered as a measure to ensure trained and disciplined manpower at high-footfall facilities. Feasibility, cost implications, and deployment logistics are being discussed," Ughade added.

In addition, all BMC hospitals have been instructed to maintain a weekly log of security lapses and submit compiled reports to the deputy municipal commissioner every month. The move aims to create regular oversight, improve accountability, and enable data-driven decisions on security improvements.

Meanwhile, action has been initiated against staff linked to the incident at Cooper Hospital. Three security guards who were on duty at the time have been terminated following an internal review. Officials stated that further administrative measures, if required, will be taken after the comprehensive inquiry report is finalised.