Survivors Made to Wait Hours; Doctors Allege Biased Treatment
Pilibhit : Medico-legal services at the District Women’s Hospital in Pilibhit have come to a standstill after the only two available female doctors went on indefinite leave, citing biased treatment and mental stress. This has left rape survivors waiting for hours for essential medical examinations, exposing critical lapses in the system.
Doctors Allege Unfair Workload and Mental Strain
Dr Manisha Chaurasia, posted at Barkhera Community Health Centre, left duty on May 15, claiming in her leave application that she was mentally distressed by disproportionate assignment of medico-legal responsibilities. She wrote, “I am not feeling physically fit and need medical treatment… I will return only after normalcy is restored.”
Her departure follows that of Dr Swati Shrivastav, who had earlier proceeded on extended medical leave, leaving no woman doctor on duty at the district women’s hospital.
Govt Orders Ignored, No Roster or Backup Plan in Place
Despite a December 2022 directive from the UP government ordering Autonomous State Medical Colleges (ASMCs) to depute lady doctors for medico-legal work, ASMC Pilibhit has not complied. The Principal of ASMC has refused to allow their doctors to participate in such duties.
This refusal persists even after multiple incidents highlighting the failure of timely care. In one case on Friday night, a rape survivor was left waiting 14 hours before Dr Uzma Akhtar could arrive from Bisalpur, over 40km away, to conduct the procedure.
Critical Staff Shortage, Large Area Uncovered
Currently, only two woman doctors serve 17 police stations in the district for medico-legal duties. On Saturday, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) issued a new roster linking seven police stations — including Pilibhit Kotwali, Sungarhi, and Mahila Thana — to the women’s hospital, which had no lady doctors posted.
In an internal letter dated May 16, CMO Dr Alok Kumar asked the district hospital’s Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS) Dr Rajesh Kumar to make alternative arrangements. However, Dr Kumar refused, stating, “It is the CMO’s prime duty. I am not responsible for such arrangements.”
Repeated Delays, Victims Refusing Exams Due to Lack of Female Doctors
In April, a five-year-old rape survivor was forced to wait over 10 hours for a medical examination. That case, marred by mishandled DNA sample collection, triggered intervention by the Principal Secretary of Health and the Director General of Medical Services. Yet, the situation remains unresolved.
On May 14, two sexual assault victims reportedly refused medical exams when only male doctors were present, even though a female doctor was available. The victims withheld consent, citing discomfort and improper protocol.
ASMC Unresponsive; Medical Community Demands Accountability
Repeated attempts to contact ASMC Principal Dr Sangita Aneja went unanswered. ASMC Vice Principal Dr Arun Kumar said, “The principal will respond only to the CMO. Please get feedback from him.”
Despite clear orders and rising urgency, resistance from ASMC Pilibhit continues, leaving a critical gap in medico-legal support for survivors of sexual violence.
