Corporates to help run one-stop centres for rape survivors
Establishment of one-stop centres was recommended by the Usha Mehra Commission report constituted after the Nirbhaya gang rape.
By Durgesh Nandan Jha, TNN | Updated:
NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has decided to involve corporates in the running of its one-stop-centres meant for rape survivors. In a notification issued to all state-run hospitals, the health department has put forward guidelines. The notification states that any proposal from the corporate group has to be duly examined for the benefits it promises to bring.
"Some companies have expressed their willingness to provide as corporate social responsibility support for funding one-stop centres in hospitals. After due discussions with the finance department, it has been decided that medical superintendents be allowed to explore such possibilities. The companies can provide an ambulance with driver, maintenance of which will also be borne by them," said a senior official.
He added that the ambulance will be fully at the disposal of the hospital for its one-stop centre and, so far as fuel for running it is concerned, it will be borne by the user hospital. Delhi got its first one-stop centre for survivors of rape and other sexual assaults in August last year at Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Mangolpuri. Sources said at least three more state-run hospitals—Guru Tegh Bahadur, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya and Lok Nayak—have also started this service. The service includes better medical facilities, psychological support, easier filing of police complaints and legal assistance under one roof.
"It is good to seek support from the corporates but the government must not shirk its responsibility. It should ensure that the service is effective. Only few centres have dedicated counsellors and the facilities are a mere formality," said a women's rights activist.
Establishment of one-stop centres was recommended by the Usha Mehra Commission report constituted after the Nirbhaya gang rape. Activists say that, though the government has started a few OSCs, they are not well-equipped and have no dedicated manpower.
"Some companies have expressed their willingness to provide as corporate social responsibility support for funding one-stop centres in hospitals. After due discussions with the finance department, it has been decided that medical superintendents be allowed to explore such possibilities. The companies can provide an ambulance with driver, maintenance of which will also be borne by them," said a senior official.
He added that the ambulance will be fully at the disposal of the hospital for its one-stop centre and, so far as fuel for running it is concerned, it will be borne by the user hospital. Delhi got its first one-stop centre for survivors of rape and other sexual assaults in August last year at Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Mangolpuri. Sources said at least three more state-run hospitals—Guru Tegh Bahadur, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya and Lok Nayak—have also started this service. The service includes better medical facilities, psychological support, easier filing of police complaints and legal assistance under one roof.
"It is good to seek support from the corporates but the government must not shirk its responsibility. It should ensure that the service is effective. Only few centres have dedicated counsellors and the facilities are a mere formality," said a women's rights activist.
Establishment of one-stop centres was recommended by the Usha Mehra Commission report constituted after the Nirbhaya gang rape. Activists say that, though the government has started a few OSCs, they are not well-equipped and have no dedicated manpower.
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