SUHRD: Shake your mobile thrice to avert attacks!

A new mobile application, "SUHRD," is set to bolster women's safety in Jayadeva Hospital by providing an immediate way to alert security in case of harassment or danger. Designed as a quick response to recent incidents, the app empowers women staff members to call for help simply by shaking their mobile phones three times.

Also Read: Ananya Panday calls for industry-wide safety committees for women

The development of SUHRD, meaning "good heart" in Sanskrit, follows reports of a male contractual worker allegedly recording women in a hospital washroom using his mobile phone. NewsFirst’s investigative report on the incident triggered swift action, as both the Chief Minister’s Office and Jayadeva Hospital management were prompted to ensure a safer environment for all staff members. This app aims to avoid incidents of stalking, assault, and other inappropriate behavior by offering a discreet and efficient rescue mechanism.

How Suhrd Works

Suhrd is activated through a simple shake gesture — three quick shakes of a mobile phone send an alert to a network of responders, including hospital security and management. Remarkably, the app functions even when the mobile device is locked, prioritizing immediate access to assistance over typical smartphone barriers. The alert also shares the distressed person’s GPS location, allowing security to respond quickly and precisely.

Dr. Jayashree, a professor in the Cardiology Department, highlighted Jayadeva Hospital’s “zero tolerance” stance toward harassment, noting that Suhrid is a vital part of the hospital’s commitment to women's safety. 

This initiative, spearheaded by the hospital's Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PASH) Committee, emphasizes proactive security measures, aiming to create a safer environment. The hospital governing body has recommended Suhrid to all hospital personnel, reinforcing the collective responsibility to protect women from potential threats within the workplace.