Rajindra Hospital to install CCTV cameras in COVID wards, keep a vigil on patients and doctors

Tribune News Service
Patiala, September 23

Amid allegations of lack of patient care, Government Rajindra Hospital has decided to install 123 CCTV cameras in COVID wards.

The decision was taken in a meeting called by Government Medical College principal Dr Rajan Singla and came two days after a woman was found unattended on the stairs of the COVID ward. The woman died within a few hours after she was rushed to ICU.

Dr Rajan Singla said that 123 CCTV cameras would be installed in both the COVID-19 buildings at Rajindra Hospital.

He added that a miking system would also be installed to improve the coordination among the COVID staff to handle emergencies.

He finally said, "With CCTV cameras in place, we will be able to keep an eye on every patient. It will help us to extend better care to COVID patients. We have already received grants for the cameras. The work to install them will be completed soon."

In the meeting with senior doctors on Tuesday, the lack of coordination among the staff was blamed for lack of patient care. Notably, OP Soni -- the Medical Education minister -- had also pointed out the lack of coordination therein.

The hospital authorities also hoped that CCTV cameras would also ensure the visits of the doctors, especially that of consultants, to the COVID wards. Patients and their family members have alleged that doctors do not visit the COVID patients.