Shillong, Jan 13: The Health Department has procured Mobile Medical Units attached to DMHO, and in Each District 1 each was given. These are taken by NRHM to provide service through contractual basis. One is a van for the Doctor and staff.
The other two vans, one attached with ultra sound, 1 ECG machine and automatic blood analyzer and one attached with a Portable xray. The Government has to answer as to what has happened with these Mobile Medical Units, and why are they not of service and use in the interior areas. Why are these Mobile Medical Units, not utilized to help the rape victims and why the victim (in the case of the girl from Paham, West Garo Hills,) made to travel 100 kms away for her medical test.
The victims and their family, due to inadequate facilities in the rural areas, is having to face trauma and anxiety in addition to the sexual assault on their child.
The amount of facelift given for the towns and splashing of Government funds needlessly, is not at all acceptable, and the indifferent attitude of the Government, shows it is not sincere in protecting women and children from sexual violence.
The CSWO warns the Government that victims of sexual offences should not have to undergo additional trauma in the hands of the insensitive Government machinery and that all these units must be kept ready and running immediately.
This also saves the time of the Police who are burdened with cases. There should also be no delay in arresting the rape accused’s, and zero tolerance from the part of the organization, to any failure from part of the Government to protect women and children. Cases of Rape should be immediately fast tracked and special courts be immediately notified, like the Special court against NGO’s. Any person who helps the rape accused flee should be also booked as per law said Agnes Kharshiing.(SP News)
