To check the movement of nefarious elements inside its premises and also strengthen security, the AIIMS administration has intensified its drill of monitoring night stay by patients' relatives on the hospital campus.
However, the rule of allowing one member of the family to stay with the patient would still continue, AIIMS officials said today.
"The step has been taken to enhance the security on the hospital premises as it is difficult to segregate genuine family members of patients from others," they said.
"The outdoor patient department (OPD) services usually closes at 1.30 P.M. And the special clinics shut by 6 P.M. Yet a large number of people keep loitering around on hospital premises till late in the night.
"In the recent past, there have been a few cases of theft too," they added.
Moreover, with an eye on maintaining hygiene, the hospital administration has also decided to keep a strict watch on those found occupying certain spots along the corridors for a long time.
"It has also come to our notice that there are some people who occupy certain places in the corridor, cook their food, wash utensils and clothes, leading to sanitation problems.
"Also, a lot of water gets wasted," they said, adding that the family members were being urged "to go to the Delhi government night shelters situated across the road".
The idea is to prevent the spread of infection on the premises and maintain hygiene along with the safety of the patients' belongings.
