CHENNAI: In the wake of the murder of a history-sheeter at Kilpauk Government Hospital on Monday early morning, the State health department has ordered all government hospitals and medical colleges across Tamil Nadu to issue identification tags round-the-clock to patients and their attendants/ relatives hereafter.

The tag must contain details such as the patient's name, nature of the relationship, mobile phone number, and the ward where the patient is admitted.

Director of Medical Education and Research, Dr Sugandhi Rajakumari, issued the order after a gangster was hacked to death on the hospital premises. The order mandates the use of metal detectors at the main entrances of all government hospitals. It has instructed all hospitals to immediately inform the police of suspicious individuals without a valid tag at night.

Attendants accompanying patients must be issued an assistant identity card with a tag, free of cost at the time of admission, it said, adding that only those wearing the identity card should be permitted to stay with or visit the patient. Everyone except those wearing identity cards must leave the ward when a bell rings at 7.00 pm in every ward, it added.

Hospital deans, principals and the authorities concerned have been directed to monitor CCTV footage directly from the control room and ensure that security guards are on duty during night hours.

Orders have also been issued to install additional CCTV cameras for nighttime surveillance and to request additional police personnel for night duty.

Hospitals have been told to take all precautionary measures to ensure the safety of doctors, nurses, patients, attendants and the general public.

Instructions have also been issued to establish police outpost booths and to conduct regular patrols in hospital premises. All medical and allied staff are required to download the 'Kaval Udhavi' (Police Assistance) mobile application to ensure their personal safety.