Friday 05 April 2024 | MANSI BHAMBRI I DEHRADUN
The security guards working at Government Doon Medical College (GDMC) Hospital have expressed concern regarding the increased workload due to the shortage of guards at the hospital. Currently, about 140 security guards are working at the hospital on a contractual basis. However, with the surging crowd and expansion of the hospital, they state that the shortage of security guards has placed a heavier burden on the guards, making it challenging for them to handle the patient crowds efficiently at times. In response to this issue, the hospital administration has reassured them that they have recently submitted a proposal to appoint additional security guards based on the hospital’s requirements.
Commenting on the handling of the work at the hospital, a security guard at the parking of the hospital Ramesh Nautiyal expressed concern about managing stubborn patients by himself at this level. He said that the hospital parking facilities are vast and it becomes challenging for him to ensure proper vehicle parking due to the crowd. He said that having one more security guard in the parking area would make it more convenient for him to handle the situation. He suggested that the hospital administration should consider hiring additional guards to effectively manage the crowd and hospital operations.
Another security guard Rakesh Rawat said the shortage of security guards has significantly increased their workload and hindered their ability to manage the growing crowd at the hospital. Earlier, each OPD had assigned security guards. However, now only one security guard is designated per floor containing two to three OPDs. To address the increasing crowd, the hospital administration must consider hiring new security guards, he emphasised.
Considering this, many patients have also voiced their concerns about the chaotic situation at the hospital due to the inadequate number of security guards. They have reported difficulty in seeking assistance as the limited number of guards may not always be available or may be occupied with other patients or tasks.
Medical superintendent at GDMC Hospital Dr Dhananjay Dobhal said that the hospital administration has acknowledged the challenges faced by the security guards and patients due to the insufficient number of security staff. Initially, the situation was manageable due to the hospital occupying a small space. However, with time as the hospital expanded, the workforce did not grow proportionately. Additionally, there has been a rapid increase in the number of patients visiting the hospital. Considering these circumstances, the hospital management has recently submitted a proposal to the State administration concerning the recruitment of new security guards based on the hospital’s requirements, he added.
