The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) has reinforced and tightened security measures in an around the hospital premises after receiving “a phone call threatening to blow up a bomb inside the hospital”, Pakistan Today has learnt.
“Someone called up the AKUH management, and threatened to blow up a bomb inside the premises. This naturally panicked the hospital administration, who then made special security arrangements in and around the hospital, especially at every entrance,” sources told Pakistan Today.
“For the first time in the hospital’s history, vehicles are being scanned, metal detectors are being used to check baggage, and patients, their attendants and as well as hospital staff are now being subjected to physical body checks,” sources said.
On the other hand, however, AKUH Public Affairs Department Director Dhunmai Cawasjee flatly rejected claims that the hospital received any threatening phone call but confirmed that special security measures had been instituted at the hospital.
“AKUH has not received any threats; however, considering the current security situation across the country, like any other institution, [we] have proactively taken measures for the safety of our patients, visitors and employees,” Cawasjee told Pakistan Today in her response over email.
“Our security measures include briefings for security staff, arranging security awareness sessions for our employees to make them more aware of people and their surroundings, stepping up the scanning of cars at gates, increasing baggage and body checks at entrances (including the use of metal detectors for baggage and body searches), and detailed checking of parcels and mails. We also have CCTV monitoring of our grounds and buildings.
“At the same time we have been reviewing our Hazard Vulnerability and Risk Assessment processes, and according to our Risk Evaluation, we have sufficient security staff on our campuses to provide security coverage. Even then, we realise that every institution is vulnerable and we need to remain alert and aware at all times,” she wrote.
According to sources, however, the CCTV facility was installed after the threats made to the hospital. Moreover, the hospital administration has also started detailed checking of parcels and mails. Regular briefings are also being arranged for security staff on how to keep tight security the main entrance, other gates and within the premises.
AKUH under threat of bomb attack?
