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New Delhi: The United Doctors Front (UDF) has called for the establishment of a protocol regarding VIP hospital visits during medical emergencies. UDF has written to Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda regarding this matter. Notably, after the CNG tanker explosion and fire on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway on December 20, VIP visits by politicians to SMS Hospital, Jaipur, disrupted emergency medical services. This added extra pressure on medical professionals, delayed the care of critical patients, and hindered emergency responses.
UDF National President Dr. Lakshya Mittal highlighted the importance of balancing VIP presence during emergencies with the seamless delivery of medical services. The letter stressed that while leadership visibility in times of crisis is valuable, it must not come at the cost of patient safety or the efficiency of healthcare operations.
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Under the protocol proposed by UDF, VIP visits should be coordinated with hospital administration and scheduled several hours after the initial emergency response. The duration of visits should not exceed 30 minutes, and the delegation accompanying the VIP should be minimal. Additionally, security arrangements should be pre-planned to ensure emergency routes remain unobstructed. A liaison officer should manage communication between hospital staff and officials. VIP visits should not interfere with ongoing medical procedures or patient care.
Dr. Mittal stated that such measures would prevent disruption of healthcare services during emergencies. It would also allow politicians to assess the situation and provide necessary support. UDF has urged the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to implement these protocols across all healthcare facilities in the country to ensure uninterrupted patient care during emergencies.
The Medical Bulletin
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