New Guidelines for Treatment of Sexual Assault Cases in Hospitals

Health is a State subject, it is the responsibility of the State Governments to issue guidelines for examination of sexual assault cases.



In so far as three Central Government Hospitals in Delhi viz. Safdarjung Hospital, Dr. RML Hospital and LHMC and Associated Hospitals are concerned, the contents of the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE ) Kit for doctors/nurses for examination of rape victims have already been in use as per the directions of the Hon’ble High Court in its order dated 23.4.2009.



However a proforma regarding Medical Examination Report for Sexually Assaulted victims was circulated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to all States/UTs for implementation vide letter dated 3.8.2012. This proforma has been further revised and guidelines for examination of Sexually Assaulted victims have been drafted by Directorate General of Health Services.



The Department of Health Research has also drafted a Manual for addressing sexual violence.



Taking cognizance of these drafts as well as recommendations of Justice (Retired) Verma Committee, a Committee has been constituted to finalize the proforma and guidelines for medical Examination Report for Sexually Assaulted victims.



The Government of NCT of Delhi has also circulated guidelines for rapid response by hospitals in case of MLC examination of victims of sexual assault, which includes identification and marking of a separate room by Director/Medical Superintendents in order to provide privacy to the victim; ensuring adequate availability of essential equipments and stock of sexual assault forensic evidence (SAFE) kit, for collection of forensic evidence; keeping HODs of the Hospital and doctors informed about the identified room; nomination of C.M.O./M.O. In-Charge of Casualty & Emergency, for oversight and supervision. The designated Nodal Officer ensures smooth collection of MLC evidence/material keeping in mind the sensitivity of the circumstances, provision of clothing to the victims in case the situation demands; arrangements of training sessions to the doctors on the protocols and guidelines on the MLC examinations/reporting in case of Sexually Assaulted victims; organization of workshop for sensitization of hospital staff, medical and para-medical, in collaboration with the Delhi Commission for women, etc.



This information was given by Minister for Health & Family Welfare Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.



Source:pib