- Says better monitoring of security staff needed
- Calls for flexibility in public access to hospitals
The Ministry of Health stated that they are working to improve safety within hospital premises while also recognising the need for some flexibility in entry, as people may require immediate access to hospitals in genuine emergencies.
Concerns about the safety of hospital staff and patients have been raised following the recent sexual assault of a medical officer in her quarters at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, as well as several past incidents of patients, particularly females, facing sexual harassment within hospital premises.
When contacted by The Daily Morning, Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni said that existing laws are sufficient to ensure the safety of hospital staff and patients, but that many other issues persist.
“The Government is providing security officers to all hospitals at the base hospital level and above. These officers are hired from security firms through a tender process, with the number of required personnel for the particular hospital is clearly stated in each tender. If a hospital needs 50 security officers, the tender is issued for that number. However, due to the lack of monitoring, there are incidents of certain companies deploying only 25 officers instead of the full 50. We have now instructed the relevant authorities to monitor these matters properly.”
He also said that the poor maintenance of hospital fences and walls is also something that the Government has paid attention to. When it comes to physical infrastructure, he said that some hospitals are facing deficiencies. “Timely renovation and maintenance of official quarters and other essential constructions such as walls and fences are important. The necessary funds have been allocated in the Budget 2025 for this purpose. The essential constructions within hospitals will also be facilitated.”
Noting that hospitals are public spaces where people frequently gather, he said that they can strengthen security measures, but there should also be some flexibility with regard to matters such as entry. “We can not impose stricter rules and regulations on hospitals. They are not prisons. For instance, a visitor should be able to reach a patient without unnecessary delays in an emergency. There should be a fair and balanced approach.”
Following the incident that took place at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, several parties such as the Government Medical Officers’ Association, civil society organisations, and women’s rights activists have called on the Government to ensure the safety within hospital premises.