No woman doctor in UP hospital; Rape survivors refused medical test

There is no woman doctor at a hospital in the Pilibhit district in the state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) in India. Rape survivors are forced to face medical examination by a male doctor. This incident has triggered women rights activists. 

Rape survivors are usually refused medical test because there is no female doctor in the UP hospital. In a huge blow to women’s rights, rape survivors, including minor, are declined medical examination because of unavailability of female gynaecologist.

Why 70 out of 79 rape survivors refused medical test?

Between June 1 2023 and September 28 2023, around 70 out of 79 rape survivors, including 5 minors, were refused medical examination by a male gynaecologist. 

The hospital in the Pilibhit district in the state of Uttar Pradesh, the designated center for medical examination of rape survivors, have been facing various issues because of the absence of female doctors.

Where there is no female doctor in the hospital?

Some female doctors have retired. The hospital is only left with male doctors. Earlier this year, the female medical superintendent, Dr Anita Chaurasia, retired. In May, Dr Kamla Mishra, a female gynecologist, retired. 

After their retirement, the women’s hospital in UP is being managed by a male medical superintendent, Dr Rajesh, and a male gynecologist, Dr KK Bhatt. 

What did rape survivors say?

Rape survivors refused to undergo medical tests by male doctors. According to a report by The Times of India, the mother of a rape survivor said, “How could we allow the the medical examination of our daughter by a man? Would it not be akin to another assault on her?”

The 16-year-old girl rape survivor called it a violation of law to be examined by male doctors. Prayagraj-based senior lawyer, Madhu Ranjan Pandey, said that only female doctors can conduct medical examinations on women.

Pilibhit SP Atul Sharma said that he would look into the whole matter. 

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh created headlines over the crimes against women.