THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A system of triage (sorted screening) will be implemented to identify in advance the drug addicts and violent among those seeking treatment in the emergency departments of government hospitals and bring them to health workers with adequate security.

This security system is being implemented in the situation as people are being attacked even after the killing of surgeon Vandana Das in the Kottarakkara taluk hospital. A doctor was attacked at Kalamasery Medical College yesterday.

The officials demanded that the criminals should be given legal punishment and that security should be ensured so that their lives are not in danger. The doctors have brought to the attention of the government that there are such arrangements in foreign countries. This demand was included in the Hospital Protection Act Amendment 2012 which is being considered by the Cabinet today due to this.

Triage system may be introduced in taluk, district and general hospitals and medical colleges. Triage system will not be applicable for those who reach OPs. It will be strictly enforced in emergency departments day and night. This examination will be mandatory for those who arrive wounded, ill, and injured in road accidents but won't apply to those who are so severely injured that they are unable to stand up.

Red, Yellow, and Green Zones

1. After patients are assessed for the severity of illness in the emergency department, a team of specially trained security personnel will check for drug use.
2. Those who are critically ill will be released to the red zone. They do not have triage tests. Those who arrive with non-life-threatening injuries will be treated in the yellow zone.
3. Those who come with minor problems including fever are treated in the green zone. Both of these categories will be triaged.

If the patient is found to be violent or intoxicated in the triage check, they will be moved to another room immediately. The treatment will be given after ensuring the safety of health workers and informing the police.

Police protection is not practical

It is evaluated that it is not practical to provide police protection in all hospitals. There are only sixty thousand people in the force. A CISF-style SISF (State Industrial Security Force) is also being considered to train more ex-servicemen and depute them for security. All major hospitals will have a police aid post and a high-precision CCTV system. Security forces will be trained to fend off intruders with lightning speed and bring things under control.

Effect of intoxication

The number of people who suddenly become ill and go to the hospital after an overdose is increasing. They are usually brought in by relatives or friends. They look calm initially but get irritated during the examination phase. Health workers say that people from students to the elderly come in this way day and night.

'Triage system is essential in the emergency department. This is the main factor that makes health centers work as models in foreign countries. Screening should be done in the emergency department. The severity of the disease should be the only criterion for treatment.'

-Dr. Zulfi Nuhu

IMA President