NEW DELHI: On July 14, a tragic event unfolded at GTB Hospital in Delhi when a criminal entered the premises and fatally shot a patient. The incident occurred around 4 PM in Ward 24, where the victim, Riyasuddin, a 32-year-old resident of Khajuri Khas, was undergoing treatment.
According to the police, the assailant entered the hospital ward and fired multiple shots at Riyasuddin, resulting in his death. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Vishnu Kumar Sharma reported that the police received a PCR call at approximately 4:20 PM, alerting them to the shooting in Ward 24. Upon arrival, they discovered Riyasuddin had been shot and recovered five empty bullet casings, with three bullets hitting the victim. The CCTV footage is currently under review to identify the suspect.
Following the incident, a meeting was held between the health ministry, Dr. Nitish (RDA President), and other senior members. They demanded enhanced security measures at the hospital, including the installation of metal detectors, additional CCTV cameras, bouncers, and police patrolling at least twice a day.
In an interview with Janno Junction, several doctors expressed their frustration, citing this incident as another example of security negligence at GTB Hospital. They revealed that the hospital staff had been on strike the day before, protesting against inadequate security measures. Although a compromise was reached, the promised improvements were not fully implemented.
GTB Hospital, under the jurisdiction of the Delhi government, has experienced several similar incidents in recent years, highlighting the need for immediate action to ensure the safety of patients and staff.
On July 16, the health ministry responded, agreeing to fulfill all the demands raised during the meeting. The key points discussed were:
The security agency M/s WPMS Pvt. Ltd., responsible for providing security services at GTB Hospital since 2017, has been found non-compliant with several terms of the agreement. The SDM (Seemapuri) directed the Director of WPMS Pvt. Ltd. to rectify the deficiencies within 24 hours.
The PWD Department was instructed to make all CCTV cameras functional immediately and install new ones at designated locations.
The installation of Boom Barriers and electronic gates will be coordinated with the PWD branch.
The Police Department will ensure the placement of a PCR van at Gate No. 3 and conduct 3-4 daily patrols of the hospital campus, with reports entered in a round register kept at the Police Control Room (Room No. 49, GTBH).
Following the assurance of these measures, the strike was called off, and all staff members, including doctors, nurses, housekeeping, and managers, have resumed their duties.
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for improved security measures in hospitals to protect patients and staff from such heinous acts.