Special Constabulary service launched at KRH to oversee security

Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital (KRH), in partnership with the Maldives Police Service, has formally introduced Special Constabulary (SC) services at the hospital.

In a statement, KRH said the Special Constabulary service commenced on Wednesday as part of measures to regulate access to the facility and strengthen security within the hospital premises.

The hospital said an electronic door-lock system has been installed to manage entry and exit, with access to the Emergency Room (ER) and inpatient wards subject to strict controls. KRH emphasized that the measures are intended to safeguard patients and staff, reinforce hospital security, and reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission.

As part of the new arrangements, visitors must comply with revised visiting hours and procedures. Visiting hours for inpatient wards will be from 17:00 to 19:00 each day, while ICU visiting hours will be from 10:30 to 11:00 and 16:30 to 17:00.

A maximum of three visitors will be allowed per patient during ICU visiting hours. Those visiting the ICU have been advised to enter through Gate 3 and the 'Koani Wing' entrance.

KRH also clarified that individuals without a designated caregiver's pass will only be permitted to access inpatient areas during official visiting hours. The hospital stressed that a single pass cannot be used to allow multiple people to enter simultaneously. Areas under access restrictions will be monitored around the clock through CCTV, with Special Constabulary officers also conducting close supervision.

The hospital called on members of the public to leave the premises once visiting hours have ended and to fully comply with instructions issued by hospital staff and police officers on duty. KRH also apologized for any inconvenience resulting from the new measures.

The Special Constabulary is a specialized unit of the Maldives Police Service tasked with carrying out specific functions and supporting law enforcement and public safety. Within the scope of their legal authority, Special Constabulary officers have powers including search and arrest. Their primary responsibilities include providing security at key government facilities, airports, and harbors. A similar arrangement has been in place at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) for several years.