WB health dept launches programme for safety of women in night shifts

To enhance the safety and security of women working in night shifts across government and private sectors, the West Bengal Health Department on Monday issued a comprehensive set of measures and launched a flagship programme named 'Rattierer Saathi Helpers of the Night.'

The new guidelines will be enforced in medical colleges, hospitals, and hostels where similar provisions are not already in place, the order said.

Under these guidelines, separate designated restrooms with toilets for women will be set up and women volunteers will be assigned on duty during nighttime shifts.

"There should be separate designated restrooms with toilets for women. Woman volunteers shall be on duty at night. Safe zones will be identified and created for women with full CCTV coverage. A special mobile phone app with alarm devices will be developed which shall be compulsorily downloaded by all working women and which will be connected to the local police stations/police control room," it added.

The order