Senior officials at the Pune hospital held closed-door meeting with cops yesterday; decided to revamp and upgrade security in the hospital

Sassoon to turn into a fortress

Senior officials at the Pune hospital held closed-door meeting with cops yesterday; decided to revamp and upgrade security in the hospital

Yesterday, senior officials at Sassoon Hospital were involved in a closed-door meeting with the Pune policeu00a0 to review security measures at the hospital in wake of the blast in the German Bakery.

Hospital and blasts

July 25, 2008:
Serial blasts rocked Bangalore. One of the bombs went off opposite the well-known Mallya Hospital.

July 26, 2008:
Serial blasts took place in Ahmedabad. The Civil and L G hospitals were targeted.

July 26, 2008:
A bomb was defused near a hospital in Surat.

26 November, 2008:
Terrorists barged into Mumbai's Cama hospital and gunned down five people, including three senior police officers.

The police's concerns assume gravity in light of terror attacks in Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Mumbai hospitals in 2008. "It is clear that hospitals are soft targets. The Pune police is trying to ensure that such a thing does not happen here," said the official requesting anonymity.

Dr Arun Jamkar, the dean of Sassoon hospital and B J Medical College, confirmed that the police had sought details of the hospital to review the security arrangements.

"The day after the blast, we were asked to beef up security arrangements. Two gates were closed and a metal detector was put up at the main entrance. Now, we are in talks over the need for CCTV cameras, metal detectors and training of security staff," said Jamkar.

Medical Superintendent Dr P S Pawar said all details of the hospital including maps, number of entry/exit points, location of various buildings are being studied by the police so that they can advise the hospital on the security measures that are to be taken.

"We are working on getting a baggage screening machine, and taking a fresh look at aspects like visiting hours and protocol for visitors, besides a public address system during emergencies," said Pawar.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels