Poor get poorer
As always, given the inequities built into the global economic system, the poorest people in the world have been the…
statesman news service
Kolkata, 31 October
The state health department has issued a circular directing that from now on rape victims should be “preferably” examined by a female medical officer in presence of a female nurse or employee of the particular hospital. The circular specifies the “standard operating procedure” to be followed in respect of medical examination of rape victims following a direction of Supreme Court.
The department has also directed that a written consent should be taken preferably in the victim&’s handwriting. In case the victim is below 12 years of age or of “unsound mind”, the written consent of the victim&’s parents must be taken. “It must be remembered that police or the court cannot compel a victim to show her private parts for examination, in front of a medical practitioner, male or female,” the circular stated.
A victim, to be examined, is to be first identified by the police officer accompanying her in front of the concerned doctor. A victim should also not be examined without written requisition from police or the magistrate. Medical examination has to be done in a prescribed format and without delay. However, doctors must give priority to treatment over sample collection. Hospitals are also directed to note mental and emotional states of the victim.
Hospital authorities are directed to provide necessary treatment to a sexually harassed or assaulted woman if they directly come to the hospital and subsequently inform police as early as possible. “Psychological, emotional and supportive counselling should be done once the victim recovers and should be continued during her stay in the hospital and even after she is discharged, if required,” the circular stated. Emergency departments of all health facilities should keep prepared rape evidence collection kits as well as written protocols for the treatment of injuries, legal documents and preventive measures for sexually transmitted disease and pregnancy.
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