Free medical services for rape victims : Victims of rape, acid attack, sexual assault and POCSO will now get free treatment. The Delhi High Court has delivered a historic ruling. The court said that whether it is a government hospital or a private facility or a nursing home, the victims should be treated free of cost.
Giving several directions on the matter, Justice Pratibha Singh and Justice Amit Sharma said ‘treatment’ meant everything from first aid to diagnostic tests, hospital admission, surgery and counseling mental and family. This means that the mental and physical health of the victim will be fully taken care of. Tell us the full decision of the High Court point by point…
The hospital cannot refuse treatment
Delhi HC said, “Hospitals, private hospitals, clinics and nursing homes aided or not by the central or state government will have to follow this. Care must also be taken to ensure that survivors are not denied medical treatment or other essential services. The court also said that if survivors went to a medical facility, laboratory, nursing home or hospital, they would not return without free care. The relevant medical institution should immediately examine the victim and begin treatment. If necessary, a pregnancy test can also be performed.
Boards will have to be installed in hospitals
The High Court said it will be mandatory to install signboards at conspicuous places in all medical establishments, which will read: “Free outpatient and inpatient treatment is available to victims or survivors of sexual assault, rape, gang rape, acid attack, etc.”
What did the Delhi High Court say?
1. It will be necessary to install boards for every medical establishment in Delhi.
2. Victims should be immediately examined and, if necessary, treated for sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV.
3. Victims must be counseled. Their pregnancy should also be verified. If necessary, contraception should also be administered.
4. In case of emergency, do not insist on proof of identity to admit the victim to the relevant hospital or nursing home.
Why did the court make its decision?
The court’s instructions came while hearing the petition of an accused, who is serving a life sentence for raping his daughter. The court said that despite repeated interventions by the court and the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DLSA), the victim had to wait for medical treatment at a private hospital.
Disclaimer: Some information given in news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, you should consult the relevant expert.
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