Docs praise her positive approach

The 23-year-old gangrape victim undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit of Safdarjung Hospital is 'extraordinarily stable' psychologically, said doctors who did her preliminary psychological assessment on Saturday.

The 23-year-old gangrape victim undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit of Safdarjung Hospital is 'extraordinarily stable' psychologically, said doctors who did her preliminary psychological assessment on Saturday.

HT Image

Six days after she was brought to the hospital in an extremely critical state, having been subjected to a brutal sexual assault by six men in a moving bus on December 16 night, the girl was psychologically assessed by a team of doctors from the hospital's psychiatry department.

Till now she wasn't allowed to talk much and had mostly been communicating by writing chits. But on Saturday, she was talking well.

"We followed a respectable and dignified approach to assess her. Though it is too early to say, right now she is extraordinarily stable, optimistic and has a very positive frame of mind," said Dr Kuldeep Kumar, a psychiatrist at the hospital.

Not delving into the details of the accident, the team of psychiatrists reportedly engaged in a regular conversation with the girl that lasted for about 20 minutes to assess her mental state.

Doctors were happy to note that the victim showed no signs of depression or negative thoughts, as is commonly seen with rape victims.

"She is a brave girl. After what all she gone through, to have such an optimistic and positive approach is commendable. It will help in her overall treatment," said Dr Abhilasha Yadav, another psychiatrist.

"Her vital parameters are within acceptable limits, though high bilirubin count and low white blood cell count is a cause of worry. She was given four platelet-rich plasma today and she is on high anti-biotic dosage," added Dr BD Athani, medical superintendent, Safdarjung Hospital.