Delhi Police's self-defence training benefits thousands of female doctors, nurses

NEW DELHI: Thousands of female hospital staffs, including doctors and nurses, have been imparted self-defence training by Delhi Police's Special Police Unit for Women and Children (SPUWAC) over the past three years, in order to make them for confident and stronger to face adverse situations.

This year as well, according to police sources, self-defence training was given in both private and government hospital, where nurses and doctors sometimes face threatening situations. Around 177 programmes were conducted 2017, in which more than 35,000 participants were trained.

"We have been providing self-defence training to female nurses and doctors, which give them confidence and make women physically stronger," said Esha Pandey, DCP, SPUWAC.

Most recently, volunteers included over 50 female staffs of Apollo hospital and 80 women from LNJP Hospital were imparted training, along with some staff from Pushpawati Singhania Research Institute.

According to a Delhi Police official, the shifts of nurses often continue late into the night. During such hours, sometimes they have to go through vulnerable routes. The training imparted by Delhi Police will instil belief in them to handle any situation.

In 2016, doctors and nurses of Safdarjung Hospital and Holy Family hospital were given training; while in 2015, staff of Max Hospital, Saket, and Sant Parmanand Hospital were trained.

"Sometimes, even patients' family members attack the hospital staff, due to which female staffs become vulnerable," said the official, adding that more self-defence programmes will be held in different hospitals.

Between 2002 and September 13, 2017, around 2,57,452 people have participated in the 1,548 self-defence camps.

One day workshops were also conducted from between 2003 and 2017, wherein 67,923 people participated.

After Durga Puja vacations, Delhi Police will also meet freshers in Delhi's colleges. "How to behave with fellow students and some tips about safety will be discussed," said a police official.

Between 2015 and 2017, around 32,915 boys have participated in 115 gender sensitisation programmes conducted by the self-defence wing of SPUWAC. This year, 24 programs were held in which 6,910 boys participated.