Finally, increased security at Cama

Staff, however, rue delay, say more can be done

Four years after its two security guards were gunned down by Ajmal Kasab and other Pakistani terrorists, Cama and Albless Hospital has finally beefed up security.

A proposal to raise height of its compound wall, pending before Mumbai Heritage Committee, was recently approved, but with modifications.

The hospital and the committee reached a middle ground and agreed to increase the height from five to eight feet, instead of the proposed 12 feet.

"We have raised the height of the compound wall and put up a grilled fence along the circumference of the hospital. Two security guards will man the entry gate 24/7."

"In addition, 41 CCTVs have been installed at different points, including at ward entrances and corridors. The footage is monitored constantly from my office," said Rajshri Katke, medical superintendent."

On November 26, 2008, Kasab and an accomplice gunned down security guards Bhabhan Ugde and Bhau Narkar before killing seven others in and around the hospital.

There were around 150 patients in the hospital that night.

"There has been improvement in hospital security, but more can be done. There could be more security guards patrolling the hospital, especially near the vulnerable rear gate," said a nurse. Guard Rahu Saheb Funde (55), who was on duty on the 26/11 night, said the fortification should have happened earlier.

"There have been also cases of baby theft, which the hospital needs to guard against. This being a hospital for women and children needs special attention," he said.

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