Home Minister Amit Shah directed Delhi Chief Secretary Vijay Dev to install CCTV cameras in Covid-19 wards of every dedicated hospital so that there is proper monitoring and problems of patients can be resolved.
New Delhi, June 15:
In a significant move, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday directed the Delhi government to install CCTV cameras at dedicated Covid-19 wards in all Delhi hospitals. The decision came soon after Amit Shah paid a surprise visit to Lok Nayak Jay Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital to review arrangements related to Covid-19.
Home Minister Amit Shah directed Delhi Chief Secretary Vijay Dev to install CCTV cameras in Covid-19 wards of every dedicated hospital so that there is proper monitoring and problems of patients can be resolved.
The decision comes in wake of wide-scale criticism of the Delhi government’s handling of Covid-19 situation. The CCTV will give authorities an inside look into problems faced by patients as well as doctors. As Delhi has registered nearly 42,000 cases and over 1,300 deaths, several patients and their kin have complained over issues ranging from lack of beds to turning away patients. The Supreme Court had last week made a scathing observation over the handing of Covid crisis in the national capital.
After a series of high-level meetings since Sunday, Amit Shah also directed the Delhi government to conduct psycho-social counselling of doctors and nurses engaged in the treatment of coronavirus patients. This will ensure that not only they are physically but also psychologically fit to fight the pandemic.
The nursing staff at the LNJP hospital said they were satisfied with the home minister’s visit as it was a pat on the back. A male nursing staff said, “We have been working non-stop. We made no demands but are happy that our hard work is being recognised by the home minister.” Another senior nursing staffer at the LNJP said, “We have no complaints, but I do not know why patients give the wrong picture to the media. Many issues highlighted are not true.” The nursing staff spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Home Minister Amit Shah also directed the Delhi chief secretary that back-ups for canteens supplying food should also be established, so that in case there is an infection in one canteen, patients can continue to get food without disruption.
The Centre is taking matters into its own hands in Delhi. Union Home Ministry and Health Ministry has taken a slew of decisions to solve Delhi’s corona woes. Home Minister Amit Shah is taking proactive measures like multiple meetings, surprise hospital visits, the addition of Covid facilities and beds, etc. Capping the arbitrary charges being levied by private hospitals during testing and admission is also being discussed.
