Is Your Hospital POSH Compliant? How do you ensure Patient and Staff Safety?

Hospitals work around the clock to protect patients. But are they equally committed to protecting their own employees?

Working round the clock means major footfall and interaction with outsiders as well as among the employees as well. Night duties, shifts, assisting doctors all duties need to be performed diligently but are hospitals diligent enough when it comes to compliance and staff safety under the Posh Act?

Doctors, nurses, receptionists, technicians, housekeeping staff and administrative employees deserve a workplace free from sexual harassment. Not to forget, they face outsiders regularly and in great numbers.

Did you know that the POSH Act, 2013 applies to hospitals, whether government-owned or privately managed. Hospitals with 10 or more employees must constitute an Internal Committee (IC) and fulfil other statutory obligations.

Long working hours, night shifts, close professional interactions and hierarchical working relationships make workplace sensitisation particularly important in healthcare institutions.

There are some very important questions that the hospitals need to introspect and answer:

• Is your hospital's Internal Committee properly constituted?
• Are the details of the IC duly displayed at a conspicuous place?
• Do your nurses and other staff know whom to approach if they face harassment?
• Has your staff including doctors, administrators, nurses, guards been trained under the said act?
• Are you aware of your duties as an employer under the POSH Act?

Nawal Foundation helps hospitals strengthen POSH compliance through employee awareness programmes, Internal Committee training, policy guidance and workplace sensitisation.

A hospital that cares for others must also care for its employees.