Wadia Hospital beefs up security post baby theft

Following the theft of a one-day-old last week, Nowsrojee Wadia Hospital has beefed up security.

A guard has been positioned outside each ward and a post set up near the main gate to record details of visitors.

However, visitors continue to throng the wards, especially the post-natal care one.

"We want to restrict visitors. However, child birth is such time even the extended family wants to be present. If we become overly strict, we will come across as a baby-unfriendly hospital," M J Jassawala, medical director said.

The hospital also awaits arrival of CCTV cameras, proposal for which was first made in 2009.

Meanwhile, the staff blamed the security lapse on construction of Jerbai Wadia Children's Hospital nearby. Patient load has been shifted to the maternity hospital due to the construction, which has been going on since 2009.

"The construction work has been stalled for the longest time. In addition to the its own load, the maternity hospital has to look after patients from the children's wing. Patients and visiting family members sleep in the corridors because there is not enough space. In such conditions, the existing security is not enough," said a staffer.

A large number of posts of paramedical staff remain vacant in the hospital. Of the 230 sanctioned posts of nurses and technicians, 168 have been filled. Of the 168, 101 employees are on contract.

There is a shortage of around 90 labour staff, whereas the sanctioned posts are around 200.

"We are doing everything in our capacity to plug the loopholes, including increasing security and filling vacant posts. Our heart goes out to the family (of the stolen baby)and we will provide it every support," said chief executive officer of the hospital, B P Sharma.

A step taken, more needed

A guard has been positioned outside each ward and a post set up near the main gate to record details of visitors

... contd.

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