A woman patient registered a complaint against a male staff member of the Kovilpatti government hospital. The woman accused him
of asking her uncomfortable questions while registering for a medical test. Taking cognizance, Dr. Vijaya, Joint Director, and Dr. Pon Ravi, Tiruchendur RMO, conducted an inquiry into the incident on Monday.
The complainant is a 27-year-old woman who is a resident of Kovilpatti. As per the complainant, she consulted a female doctor of the Kovilpatti government hospital for a skin allergy in her private area. Later, she was asked to take an HIV blood test. When she reached the registration counter, the male staff, identified as Stephen, allegedly asked her unwanted and immoral questions about the disease in the presence of several men around the counter.
While speaking to New Indian Express, she stated that, although she expressed uneasiness to reply as she felt uncomfortable, the staff member went on persisting with her and refused to register for the test if she did not reply. Stephen began hurling the questions with the wrong undertone after she revealed that she is a divorcee and single mother. After this, despite telling him that she had already explained everything to the doctor, Stephen started asking unnecessary questions.
When the woman took the complaint to Dr. Sudha, who is a resident medical officer (RMO), Collector G. Lakshmipathy ordered a probe. After this, Dr. Vijaya and Dr. Pon Ravi inquired with the complainant woman for one hour. They questioned the accused, Stephen, who is a temporary employee, after the media persons questioned Dr. Vijaya and Dr. Ravi in this regard.
Meanwhile, Rasesu Kanna, an activist from Kovilpatti, petitioned the revenue divisional officer on Tuesday to inquire into the matter as it concerned the safety of women at government hospital premises.
Rasesu Kanna said that the hospital authorities are trying to safeguard Stephen. Hence, the RDO, being the Sub-Judicial Magistrate, must inquire into the matter and grant justice to the woman.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Komal Bhoi/MSM)