The Indian government has directed all central-run hospitals to limit the number of attendants with a patient to one or two at any time, including during visiting hours. To manage overcrowding, a pass system for attendants has been recommended, along with monitoring all visitors. This directive, sent to the heads of central government hospitals, AIIMS, and other Institutes of National Importance (INIs), follows criticism over inadequate safety measures, particularly after the recent incident where a patient and his relatives assaulted a female resident doctor .
The guidelines also call for restricted access in certain areas and improvements like mapping and better lighting in hospital premises, particularly in duty areas for female healthcare staff, parking lots, and entryways. The order also mandates secure duty rooms with basic amenities for female health professionals and recommends…
