Cops briefed to keep vigil over doctors' safety: Police to HC

Delhi Police today informed the High Court that its officers have been briefed to maintain vigil over safety and security of doctors in the hospitals here to prevent incidents of assault on them.
An affidavit, filed through Deputy Commissioner of Police, said " All ACPs/Station House Officers, division/beat staff and patrolling staff have been briefed properly by all Additional Commissioner of Police/DCP, to keep vigil over the safety and security of doctors in the hospitals situated in their respective districts so that such incidents do not arise in future."
The police's reply came after the court had asked it to apprise it about the steps taken to ensure safety of doctors on a PIL filed by a Indian Medical Association (IMA) Delhi North-Zone, alleging failure on the part of Delhi government and city police to ensure security of life of doctors here.

Medical services in Delhi were crippled as over 15,000 resident doctors from 20 government hospitals went on a strike from June 22 to press for various demands, including heightened security for them in hospitals. The strike was called off two days later.
The police affidavit also said that detailed instructions to all concerned officers in the form of "standing order" have also been issued.
"Delhi Police Headquarters have already sent various proposals to the Ministry of Home Affairs for creation of 392 posts for setting up new police posts in hospitals, which is under consideration," it said.

The police informed that six FIRs have been lodged so far with regard to attack on doctors and nurses, after which a bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath posted the matter for hearing on October 14.

The bench had on July 1 taken strong cognizance of the instances of assault and attacks on doctors and sought to know from the counsel for Delhi Police Commissioner and AAP Government if any FIRs have been registered in these cases.
It had directed them to file their reply, including detailing the steps they have taken with regard to preventing such attacks.