Jalandhar: Guards to be deployed at government hospitals

Jalandhar: The government has decided to deploy security guards in government hospitals that provide round-the-clock medical services. This initiative aims to curb the increasing incidents of violence and attacks against medical personnel in public health institutions across the state. Under the pilot project, 200 security guards will be deployed in 23 district hospitals. This deployment will be done through the Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation (PESCO). If the project is successful, the state plans to expand this initiative to other hospitals. According to official sources, the recruitment process will be completed by the end of October. The guards will be appointed on an outsourced basis until March 31, 2026, and recruitment will be in accordance with the state’s reservation policy. Their salaries will be paid under schemes run by the Punjab Health Systems Corporation. Doctors across Punjab have welcomed the government’s decision, calling it a much-needed step to ensure a safer and more secure work environment. Members of the PCMS Association, which represents government doctors, said the move would instill a sense of confidence among hospital staff, especially those working in emergency and intensive care departments. The decision comes amid growing concerns about attacks on doctors in government hospitals. Data from the past two years shows that nearly 80 cases of violence against medical professionals have been reported, not only in border districts but also in other areas, including Kapurthala, where several incidents have been reported. Doctors have also raised security concerns about the lack of proper exits in some hospitals, making it difficult for staff to exit during violent situations. The deployment plan includes the following allocation of guards to district hospitals: Amritsar (11), Barnala (7), Bathinda (11), Faridkot (7), Fatehgarh Sahib (7), Fazilka (9), Ferozepur (9), Gurdaspur (9), Hoshiarpur (9), Jalandhar (11), Kapurthala (9), Ludhiana (12), Malerkotla (7), Mansa (7), Moga (9), Muktsar Sahib (9), Pathankot (7), MKH Patiala (11), Ropar (7), Sangrur (9), Mohali (9), SBS Nagar (7), and Tarn Taran (7). The government hopes that this security initiative will not only reduce violence in hospitals but also promote a more respectful and secure environment for medical professionals dedicated to public service.