The project of building one-stop centres in the civil hospitals of Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Patiala districts to provide the victims of rape and domestic violence with medical, legal and police assistance has failed to start in spite of announcement three months ago.
The officials of the Jalandhar Civil Hospital are unaware of the government's plan, while doctors in Ludhiana have sent a report to government about the money required but received no funds. Each centre will have four professionals: a doctor, a lawyer, a police official and a counsellor, all women. The victims' families will also get assistance, and it will help them come out of trauma.
Even after the rape victims are referred to private hospitals, the assistance will continue. Observing hesitation from victims and their families because of the fear of public embarrassment, the government wanted that every victim treated properly under one roof and given all kinds of help. Most victims of rape and domestic violence do not go through all the stages of investigation and treatment, and quit the process because of harassment.
"After receiving a letter from the union government, we decided to build the one-stop centre in the emergency ward and submitted requirements to the state government," said Ludhiana Civil Hospital senior medical officer Dr RK Karkara. “After that, we have not received any money or reply about this project,” he added.
{{/usCountry}}"After receiving a letter from the union government, we decided to build the one-stop centre in the emergency ward and submitted requirements to the state government," said Ludhiana Civil Hospital senior medical officer Dr RK Karkara. “After that, we have not received any money or reply about this project,” he added.
{{/usCountry}}Jalandhar civil surgeon Dr RL Bassan said he was unaware of the project and referred the reporter to medical superintendent Dr Jagjit Singh Cheema, who also didn't have any information. Director of health and family welfare Dr Ashok Nayyar, however, said that given the shortage of psychiatrists, had been delayed. "Now, psychiatrists have been hired and the project is back on course," he added.
"We have no money at present for building separate rooms for the centres but it will be arranged," said Dr Nayyar.
About project
One-stop centres to be built in the civil hospitals of Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Patiala districts to provide the victims of rape and domestic violence with medical, legal and police assistance under one roof
Each centre will have four professionals: a doctor, a lawyer, a police official and a counsellor, all women
The victims' families will also get assistance, and it will help them come out of trauma
Even after the rape victims are referred to private hospitals, the assistance will continue.