Repeated Lock-Breaking at Gumla Sadar Hospital Help Desk Raises Security Concerns

Members of the Gumla District Health Sahiyya Association have demanded an impartial investigation and action against those responsible for repeatedly breaking the lock of the Sahiyya Help Desk operating on the premises of Gumla Sadar Hospital.

A written application raising the issue was submitted to the Deputy Superintendent of the hospital. According to the application, the lock of the help desk has allegedly been broken around seven times, raising concerns about the safety of the facility and the working environment of Sahiyya workers.

The Sahiyya Help Desk plays an important role in assisting patients and their family members visiting the hospital by providing health-related information and necessary guidance. Association members said repeated incidents at such an important facility were a matter of concern.

Through the application, the association urged the hospital administration to conduct a fair investigation, strengthen security at the help desk and take preventive measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

District Sahiyya Association president Sayyada Khatoon said Sahiyya workers played a significant role in taking health department schemes to the public and helping patients access necessary services. She stressed that their workplace must be secured so they could perform their duties without fear.

The association put forward three key demands: an impartial investigation into the repeated breaking of the help desk lock, stronger security arrangements for the facility, and provision of a Sahiyya rest room beside the labour room within the Sadar Hospital premises, in accordance with the applicable guidelines.

Several members of the Gumla District Health Sahiyya Association were present in connection with the application. They included Sayyada Khatoon, Sandhya Kumari, Sarita Kumari, Rekha Kumari, Sushila Devi, Geet Devi, Sabla Kora, Shobha Devi, Munnu Devi, Lalita Devi, Anita Kumari, Rupa Oraon, Mary Kiran Toppo, Jamuna Devi, Kanchan Devi, Basanti Devi and Mamta Devi, along with other Sahiyya workers.