The Delhi Health Ministry is involved in consultations for finalisation of guidelines for rapid response by hospitals in medico-legal cases and examination of sexual assault victims.
Giving details about the new move, Health Minister A. K. Walia said on Friday: “After the Delhi gang-rape case it was felt that the entire step-by-step procedure must be made smooth and hassle-free in order to undertake MLC examination of victims and ensure their privacy. Also keeping in view the instructions of the High Court, the Department has finalised the new guidelines.”
Dr. Walia also said that the heads of different hospitals have been directed to identify a separate room for examination of the victims. “They are also being asked to circulate the number of such room to all the Heads of Departments and doctors on emergency duty. The hospitals are also being directed to provide proper furniture, basic equipment and adequate stock of sexual assault forensic evidence kit. Further, the CMOs/MOs in charge are being instructed to nominate nodal officers to put in place the desired infrastructure,” he said.
As per the new initiative the nodal officers will also ensure that good practices on proper collection of MLC, evidence are observed in true sense. They will also ensure copies of protocol/guidelines for ready reference. In case the victim’s clothes are taken as evidence the hospitals must provide alternate clothing to the victim. The arrangement for washing up after the examination will be provided to the victim.
