A security breach at the women's resident doctors' hostel of AGMC and GBP Hospital has brought to light several shortcomings in the institution's safety infrastructure, prompting authorities to initiate urgent corrective measures. Alongside security concerns, hospital officials have also raised alarm over a critical shortage of radiologists that is putting additional pressure on diagnostic services.
According to AGMC Principal Prof. Tapan Majumder, the incident occurred late on July 30 at around 11:45 PM, when a masked individual allegedly entered the room of a first-year postgraduate woman doctor through an open balcony door. The intruder reportedly pushed the doctor from behind, snatched her mobile phone, and escaped before fellow doctors and security personnel could reach the location.
Following the incident, police launched an investigation and examined available CCTV footage. However, the inquiry revealed significant gaps in the hospital's surveillance network, with several areas of the campus remaining outside CCTV coverage. The available footage only showed a person fleeing near the auditorium, making identification difficult.
The security lapse has prompted the hospital administration to review its night-time security arrangements. Authorities revealed that the last security patrol before the incident was conducted at around 9:45 PM. Show-cause notices have been issued to the personnel responsible for security duty. Meanwhile, the hospital has started strengthening safety measures, including regular plainclothes patrolling, installation of additional fencing around the women's hostel, and fitting of protective grills on windows.
Officials also highlighted other challenges, including inadequate boundary walls and multiple entry and exit points, which make monitoring movement within the campus difficult. Unauthorised parking of vehicles near the auditorium and rear sections of the hospital during evening hours has also emerged as a security concern. The area surrounding the hostel canteen has now been declared a residential zone, and vehicle parking has been restricted after evening hours.
Prof. Majumder stressed the need for a modern and comprehensive security system equipped with advanced surveillance technology. He pointed out that most existing security personnel are unarmed, limiting their ability to handle serious emergencies effectively. The hospital authorities have also sought enhanced police patrolling around the campus.
Meanwhile, GBP Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Bidhan Goswami highlighted the acute shortage of radiologists affecting healthcare delivery. Despite handling a massive daily workload of nearly 50 MRI scans, 125 CT scans, 250 X-rays and over 100 ultrasonography examinations, the Radiology Department is operating with limited manpower.
At present, the department has only one Professor, one Associate Professor, two Assistant Professors and three Senior Residents, with some doctors unavailable due to deputation and leave. Dr. Goswami said the government has directed hospitals to ensure diagnostic reports are provided within 24 hours, making immediate steps to address the shortage essential.
Hospital authorities have assured that necessary measures are being taken to strengthen security and improve diagnostic facilities to ensure better safety and healthcare services for patients and medical professionals.
