Mangalore, Aug 25: Health Minister U T Khader said that akin to a one-stop crisis centre for women affected by violence, cases of rape or sexual assault would be directly taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the district government hospital, where the examination, enquiry, counseling and treatment would be provided to the survivors of such cases in the state.
Briefing mediapersons at a press conference here on Monday, he said that once the method was brought into effect, every procedure, including medical examination and recording the survivor's statement, would be done in the ICU. By doing so, the survivor of the sexual assault will be in a secure place and the privacy of the survivor will also be ensured, he said, adding that the move would initially be introduced at the district government hospital in each district.
He said that a directive would be issued in this regard, which would also be communicated at the centre. At a later stage, it can be introduced in taluk hospitals and private hospitals may follow suit, said Mr Khader.
The proposed concept would be similar to one-stop crisis centres (Nirbhaya centre) for victims of violence and sexual assault which would provide medical, legal and psychological support.
Compulsory check-up for mental health patients every Tuesday'
The health minister also said that a checkup for patients with mental health disorders would be conducted in every primary health centre, taluk and district government hospitals mandatorily every Tuesday.
The check-up for these patients will be conducted by specialists in the forenoon every Tuesday and essential drugs required have to be compulsorily given to the patients. If a shortage of essential drugs or medication comes to light, action will be taken against the supervisor in-charge of the concerned health department at the hospital or health centre, he said.
In addition, to counter the shortage of psychiatric doctors and specialists in the state, each psychiatrist from a college will have to offer his/her services in any government hospital, primary health centre or community service centre in the taluk or district every Tuesday. He/she will be given leave from his work with pay on the designated day, he said.
Day-care centres to come up for mental health patients in every district
Mr Khader also informed that day-care centres and treatment centres would be set up for patients with mental health disorders in each district in the state. The state government has allotted a grant of Rs 1.6 lakhs every month for the set up and management of the day-care centres, which will be free of cost for the patients, he said.
By-poll results in Karnataka
Speaking on the results of the by-polls held in Bellary, Chikkodi and Shikaripura on Monday, the elected representative said that the Congress' win in two constituencies showed that people appreciated and desired the governance of the ruling party in the state. “The party members will keep the trust placed by electorates in the party and move forward,” he said.
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