PCMC Opposition Leader Calls for Urgent Security Upgrades at YCMH Hospital
In a significant move highlighting public safety concerns, Bhausaheb Bhoir, the Leader of the Opposition in the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and a member of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has formally written to civic chief Shravan Hardikar. The letter demands immediate and enhanced security measures at the Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital (YCMH), a major healthcare facility in Pune.
Security Deficiencies Flagged During Inspection
Bhoir conducted a visit to YCMH on Wednesday to assess the existing arrangements and identified critical shortcomings. He reported that the hospital lacks adequate security personnel stationed at its entry gates, creating potential vulnerabilities. More alarmingly, he noted the absence of essential safety equipment, including metal detectors and baggage scanning machines, which are crucial for screening visitors effectively.
Terming this situation a "serious security lapse", Bhoir emphasized that it could endanger patients, their relatives, and medical staff. "YCMH is a major hospital where many people visit daily. Basic security infrastructure such as metal detectors is a must, but I found it missing during my visit," he stated in an interview. He further warned that without proper checks, visitors might inadvertently or intentionally carry weapons or other harmful objects onto the premises, escalating risks.
Hospital and Civic Officials Respond to Concerns
In response, a senior YCMH official acknowledged that the hospital previously had metal detectors and baggage scanning machines in place. However, these devices developed faults following the Covid-19 pandemic and were subsequently removed. "We have already written to the PCMC security department seeking repair or replacement of the machines, but there has been no progress so far," the official explained.
Uday Jarande, PCMC's Chief Security Officer, confirmed that both the metal detector and baggage scanner previously installed at YCMH were beyond repair. He mentioned that a proposal has been submitted to procure new equipment. "The proposal has been forwarded to the civic stores department and the purchase will be made soon," Jarande assured, indicating steps are underway to address the issue.
Context and Operational Challenges at YCMH
YCMH, located in Pimpri, stands as the largest civic-run hospital in Pune, serving not only residents of Pimpri Chinchwad but also patients from nearby rural areas. The facility records an average daily footfall of approximately 5,000 people, underscoring its critical role in the region's healthcare infrastructure.
An official from YCMH provided additional insights into the practical challenges of implementing security measures. The hospital has three entry gates for patients and visitors, and installing baggage scanners at all gates may not be feasible. Instead, the official suggested that handheld metal detectors could be provided to security staff for more flexible screening.
"Most hospitals, including Sassoon General Hospital in Pune, which is operated by the state government, do not have baggage scanning machines," the official pointed out, highlighting a broader trend in healthcare security. He also noted that in emergency cases, particularly in the casualty department, staff cannot insist on baggage checks when patients arrive in critical condition. "The priority in such cases is to ensure that the patient is treated first and their life is saved," he added, balancing security needs with medical urgency.
Manpower and Current Security Arrangements
Regarding manpower, the official stated that two to three security agencies currently supply personnel to YCMH, and the existing strength is deemed adequate to manage the situation. This aspect contrasts with Bhoir's concerns about insufficient security staff, suggesting a discrepancy in assessments between political oversight and operational management.
The ongoing dialogue between political leaders, civic authorities, and hospital officials reflects a concerted effort to enhance safety protocols at YCMH. As proposals for new equipment move through bureaucratic channels, the focus remains on ensuring a secure environment for all stakeholders without compromising the hospital's primary mission of providing timely and effective medical care.
