KIMS sacks security agency, deploys home guards

Hubballi: The Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Hubballi, which was in the news for security lapses, has now strengthened security measures on its premises by deploying home guards from Thursday onwards.
KIMS had earlier appointed a private security agency that deployed its staff in casualty, emergency and other departments. After 15 years, KIMS has discontinued its contract with the agency following complaints of security lapses.
KIMS director Dr Ramalingappa Antartani said: “We had to cancel our contract with the private security agency which was working with us for the past 15 years after they failed to provide proper service. We faced a lot of security issues during the pandemic. The chief secretary, deputy commissioner and other higher officers have also noticed that there were security lapses at KIMS hospital and the agency failed to deliver satisfactory service. Security guards of a private agency failed to manage increasing rush, discipline attendors/visitors and allowed them inside the hospital. They were rude with visitors, often had arguments and quarrels with them.”
Some theft cases were also reported at KIMS. “According to the instructions of the chief secretary and the deputy commissioner, we have brought in home guards for security duty in the hospital. Despite repeated notices, the agency did not improve its performance,” Antartani said.
“We have deployed 150 home guards in the first phase. They are deployed at various points on the hospital premises. Compared to the private security agency’s cost, deploying home guards is not so expensive and also not a burden on the hospital,” he said.
“We will not make direct payment but through the home guard commandant. We will organise a training sessions for all home guards to sensitise them regarding our working style, expectations and on dealing with other security issues in the next couple of days,” he said. “We have also instructed the home guards to be tough and disciplined in their duty and be polite to visitors and attendors. More CCTVs and other measures will be taken to increase the security in KIMS in the days to come,” he added.