Kolkata, May 25 -- The state Health Department has decided to introduce separate colour-coded official identity cards for doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, administrative employees and other healthcare

workers employed at government hospitals and medical colleges across the state. The new system will come into effect from June 1.

The initiative follows a high-level meeting held at SSKM Hospital on May 15 in the presence of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, where issues relating to hospital security, staff accountability and rapid identification of healthcare personnel were discussed.

According to sources in the Health Department, concerns have repeatedly been raised in recent months over unrestricted entry of outsiders into hospitals, security lapses and difficulties in verifying the identity of personnel. The introduction of colour-coded identity cards is expected to address many of these concerns.

As per the directive, the scheme will initially be implemented at major government hospitals and medical institutions in Kolkata, including SSKM Hospital, RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata Medical College and Hospital, and National Medical College and Hospital. A nodal officer will be appointed for each building to oversee the implementation and coordination of the project.

The Health Department has also directed hospitals to ensure high-speed internet connectivity, designated office desks, deployment of IT personnel and engagement of volunteers for the exercise. The registration process for the new ID cards is scheduled to begin on May 25 and is expected to be completed by May 28.

Under the new system, housekeeping staff at hospitals will be required to wear yellow-coloured identity cards, while blue-coloured ID cards have been designated for personnel engaged in outsourced work.

Healthcare workers can upload their photographs and signatures through a designated online portal, which will be used to prepare the identity cards. The completed cards will later be distributed through the respective nodal officers.

According to administrative officials, the move is expected to help ensure identity verification, improve emergency response, assign responsibilities more efficiently, and strengthen overall hospital security management.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.