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KUCHING, July 8: The Sarawak Health Department has denied accusations that a government hospital’s One Stop Crisis Centre (OSCC) did not follow the procedure in handling a suspected rape victim who instead had refused to lodge a police report and give permission for further assessment, despite being advised by a medical officer.
Sarawak health director Dr Ooi Choo Huck highlighted this in a statement today in referring to a Twitter post dated July 6 by an account user expressing dissatisfaction with the OSCC at a government hospital regarding the handling of a case of a suspected rape victim.
“The patient received proper attention and treatment throughout her time at the Emergency and Trauma Department of the hospital. However, since there was no written permission from the patient, further assessment could not be conducted,” he explained.
According to Dr Ooi, the investigation discovered that the incident occurred at a government hospital in Sarawak on July 5, 2023, around 10.30pm.
The woman was screened by medical personnel on duty and was subsequently advised to lodge a police report at the police counter next to the Emergency and Trauma Department.
“However, after discussing the matter with the emergency medicine specialist on duty, the patient was referred to the OSCC.
“The medical officer had conducted an examination, including taking down the history of the incident and checking vital signs. Explanation regarding examination procedure, importance to lodging a police report, and written permission have been briefed by the medical officer,” he said.
Dr Ooi further mentioned that the patient was also advised to return to the hospital for examination if she changed her mind within 72 hours.
The patient was discharged with anti-pregnancy medicine, antibiotics, and a referral to a counsellor for outpatient counselling services.
According to a news reported by Free Malaysia Today yesterday (July 7), a Twitter user claimed that a friend sought assistance to bring a rape victim to the nearest public hospital’s OSCC, based on advice from the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) to ensure that the victim received necessary help and that evidence could be gathered promptly.
However, the complainant alleged that the victim was denied entry to the OSCC until a police report was made.
Dr Ooi emphasised that the health department is committed to ensuring compliance with all procedures to provide the best services to the people. — DayakDaily
