Free Medical Services For Rape Victims : Victims of rape, acid attack, sexual assault and POCSO will now get free treatment. Delhi High Court has given a historic decision. The court said that whether it is a government hospital or private or nursing homes, the victims should be treated free of cost.
Giving several instructions related to this, the bench of Justice Pratibha Singh and Justice Amit Sharma said that ‘treatment’ means everything from first aid to diagnostic tests, admission to hospital, surgery and mental-family counselling. This means that the mental and physical health of the victim will be taken full care of. Let us know the complete decision of the High Court point by point…
Hospital cannot refuse treatment
Delhi HC said, ‘Central or state government aided and unaided hospitals, private hospitals, clinics, nursing homes will have to follow this. It should also be ensured that survivors are not denied medical treatment and other essential services. The court also said that if the survivors go to any medical facility, lab, nursing home or hospital, they will not be returned without free treatment. The concerned medical institution will have to immediately examine the victim and start treatment. If needed, pregnancy test can also be done.
Boards will have to be installed in hospitals
The High Court said that it will be mandatory to put up boards at prominent places in all medical facilities, which will read – ‘Free outpatient and inpatient treatment is available for victims or survivors of sexual assault, rape, gangrape, acid attack etc.’
What did Delhi High Court say?
1. It will be necessary to put up boards for every medical facility in Delhi.
2. Victims should be immediately examined and, if necessary, treated for sexually transmitted diseases like HIV.
3. Victims should be counselled. Their pregnancy should also be checked. If necessary, contraception should also be given.
4. In emergency cases, do not insist on identity proof for admitting the victim to the concerned hospital or nursing home.
Why did the court give its decision?
These instructions of the court came while hearing the petition of an accused, who is serving life imprisonment for raping his daughter. The court said that despite repeated intervention of the court and the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DLSA), the victim had to wait for medical treatment in a private hospital.
Disclaimer: Some of the information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, you must consult the concerned expert.
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