SMS Hospital Escalates Demand for Stray Dog Removal from Premises
In a significant move, the prestigious Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur has intensified its efforts to secure its campus from stray dogs. The hospital administration has formally and urgently requested the Jaipur Municipal Corporation (JMC) to take immediate action to remove all stray dogs from its premises. This demand is grounded in a recent Supreme Court directive that mandates the protection of institutional spaces from such hazards.
Official Communication and Supreme Court Mandate
A senior official from SMS Hospital confirmed that multiple letters have been dispatched to the JMC, urging prompt measures to prevent dogs from entering the hospital campus. "We are sending letters to JMC to take immediate action to prevent dogs from entering the campus. We had informed the JMC earlier also," stated the official, highlighting the ongoing nature of this concern.
The hospital's request aligns with a public notice issued by the National Medical Commission (NMC) on December 29. This notice was released in compliance with the Supreme Court's directives from a suo-moto case. The NMC's policy and coordination division emphasized that the Supreme Court, alarmed by a substantial increase in dog-bite incidents within institutional areas, has issued strict and time-bound orders to all states and union territories.
Broader Implications and Hospital's Internal Measures
The Supreme Court's directive specifically targets the securing of educational institutions, hospitals, sports complexes, bus stands, and railway stations from stray dog ingress. This nationwide mandate underscores the growing public health and safety risks associated with stray animals in populated areas.
In addition to appealing to the municipal authorities, SMS Hospital has implemented its own precautionary steps. "We have also directed guards of our hospital to prevent ingress of dogs on the hospital premises, besides appealing to the JMC to take measures in making the dog free hospital premises," explained the official. This dual approach reflects the hospital's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
The situation highlights the critical need for coordinated action between healthcare institutions and local municipal bodies to address urban animal management challenges effectively.
