The Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu has made history by becoming the first healthcare facility in India to deploy armed forces for the security of its medical staff. This unprecedented move follows a recent announcement by the West Bengal government to recruit personnel from the police, army, navy, and air force for hospital security, though GMC Jammu is the first to have actually implemented such a measure.
The decision to deploy armed personnel at GMC Jammu comes in the wake of a tragic incident in Kolkata, where the rape and murder of a female doctor shocked the nation. The crime sparked widespread outrage, prompting demands for increased protection for medical workers across India’s hospitals.
According to reports, personnel from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) have been stationed in the emergency section of GMC Jammu. Currently, 10 SSB personnel are on duty, with plans to increase the number to 30 in the near future.
There are also indications that the deployment of armed personnel may be extended to other hospitals across the Jammu region, highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of healthcare professionals. This initiative sets a significant precedent and could lead to similar security measures being adopted in hospitals nationwide, particularly in light of growing concerns about the safety of medical workers.