Right from having two full -time doctors on campus, to having ambulance support services 24/7 on campus, to providing psychosocial support to close friends of the student and having referral network of hospitals. Mumbai: Following the death of a student due to cardiac arrest early this week, TISS, in a public statement issued on Wednesday night, mentioned that they will be undertaking a comprehensive review and strengthening of the health centre, emergency response systems, referral arrangements, and student support services across campus.
“The administration must establish clear and time-bound accountability for the circumstances surrounding the student’s death and the failure of the campus emergency response,” they claimed in a statement issued on Wednesday night. The institute, in its statement, said that it would strengthen the health and well-being committee, review service gaps, and monitor progress. Progressive Students Forum, a student collective on campus, sought an independent inquiry into the incident, and also an appropriate compensation and institutional support to the family of the deceased. The institute also proposed to strengthen counselling services and referral pathways for students requiring mental health support. A written emergency protocol will be finalised for health centre staff. Separate guidance will be issued for students and faculty members, it added. The students called for the resignation of the Dean of Student affairs on moral grounds, for failing to ensure basic standards of student welfare, health and safety. They urged the institute to also provide necessary academic and psychosocial support for students affected by the incident.
Earlier in the day, ABVP had also staged a protest and submitted a list of demands. Several campus students also gathered on Tuesday and held a candlelight vigil.