‘Code Pink’ Introduced In Maharashtra Hospitals To Curb Infant Theft; CCTV Surveillance Strengthened In Critical Wards
‘Code Pink’ Introduced In Maharashtra Hospitals To Curb Infant Theft; CCTV Surveillance Strengthened In Critical Wards
Pune, July 15, 2025: In a significant move to prevent incidents of newborn theft and abduction in government hospitals, the Maharashtra Medical Education Department has rolled out a new safety protocol called “Code Pink.”
Under this initiative, all maternity wards, neonatal units, and operation theatres in government hospitals will now be under 24×7 CCTV surveillance. The system is designed to immediately activate hospital security mechanisms if an infant goes missing. The department claims this measure will act as a strong deterrent against such crimes.
The move comes after a series of infant abduction cases in state-run hospitals, including one in May from a government facility in Miraj and another reported from Nashik’s district hospital last year.
As part of the new guidelines, Code Pink drills will be conducted in all medical colleges and affiliated hospitals every three months to ensure readiness. Hospital deans and medical superintendents will be required to submit monthly security review reports to the department.
In the event of a suspected abduction, a Code Pink alert will be announced over hospital intercoms, instructing all staff to be on high alert. Entry and exit points will be sealed, CCTV footage reviewed, and all visitors’ belongings checked.
Hospitals have been directed to train all staff—including doctors, nurses, and security personnel—on the protocol. The associated costs will be managed within hospital budgets.
This system is expected to enhance the security of newborns and reassure parents about their safety in public healthcare facilities.
