Two months after a newborn was abducted from a government hospital in Sangli, the Maharashtra Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) has implemented a ‘Code Pink’ protocol to prevent such incidents across all government medical colleges and their attached hospitals.
The new security protocol aims to safeguard infants by mandating a range of preventive measures: 24/7 security deployment outside maternity wards and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), CCTV surveillance, panic alarms, strict visitor entry logs, and mandatory ID verification for both mothers and newborns. Additionally, hospitals are required to conduct staff training and mock drills every three months to ensure preparedness.
How ‘Code Pink’ Works
‘Code Pink’ is activated the moment a newborn is reported missing. The protocol begins with nurses verifying the incident and informing the head nurses, who in turn notify doctors and the Medical Superintendent. The hospital’s telephone operator then broadcasts the alert—‘Code Pink’—three times to all doctors, security personnel, resident medical officers (RMOs), supervisors, and department heads.
Once the code is triggered:
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All entry and exit points are sealed immediately.
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CCTV footage is reviewed, and all security personnel are put on high alert.
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Suspicious individuals may be detained and questioned.
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Security staff are instructed to check all bags and inspect on-site shops or stalls.
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Detailed statements must be recorded from the person who first reported the incident.
By introducing this comprehensive system, the state hopes to ensure the safety of newborns and restore public trust in government hospitals.
Source: The Times of India