Members of the expert committee on preventing crimes against women and children visited Fortis hospital on Cunningham Road in the city on Saturday, and directed the police to conduct a detailed probe into the alleged sexual assault on a 54-year-old dengue patient.
Panel chairman V.S. Ugrappa, MLC, told presspersons that Shivakumar (35), a male nurse at the hospital, allegedly touched the women inappropriately on the pretext of conducting checks and sexually assaulted her. The woman, who hails from Kerala, is residing in the city with her husband and son. Although the incident took place on October 5, it came to light only on Friday. Mr. Ugrappa said the hospital tried to hush up the case to safeguard its reputation. The panel directed the hospital staff to submit a report by Monday. The High Grounds police arrested Shivakumar after the woman’s husband filed a complaint. A case has been registered under IPC Section 354A (physical contact and advances involving unwelcome and explicit sexual overtures).
Mr. Ugrappa urged the Health Department to issue a circular on appointment of staff in private hospitals.
Meanwhile, Health Minister U.T. Khader sought a detailed report from the hospital on the incident. “I have asked for the report to be submitted by Sunday. Based on this, we will decide on the measures that need to be taken by hospitals to ensure patients’ safety,” Mr. Khader said.
Health Minister U.T. Khader sought a detailed report from the hospital on the incident
