KUCHING: The State Health Department clarified that the female patient, suspected of being a rape victim, was given proper attention and treatment throughout the time she was in the Emergency and Trauma Department (ETD) of a hospital.
State Health director Dr Ooi Choo Huck said this in reference to a Twitter post dated July 6 regarding dissatisfaction with the One Stop Crisis Centre (OSCC) services at a government hospital on handling the victim’s case.
In a statement, Dr Ooi said investigation found that the incident happened at one of the government hospitals in Sarawak on July 5 at around 10.30pm.
He said the victim was screened by health personnel on duty and asked to make a police report at the police booth next to the ETD. However, after talking with an emergency physician on duty, she was sent to the OSCC.
“The medical officer had also explained to the patient on the inspection procedures, the importance of making a police report and written consent.
“However, she refused to make a police report and did not give her permission for further evaluation despite having been advised by the medical officer on duty.
“She was advised to return to the hospital for an inspection if she changed her mind within 72 hours.
“She would be allowed back with appropriate anti-pregnancy medication and antibiotics as well. Referrals to counsellors for outpatient counselling services were also made,” he said.
“Since there was no written consent from the woman, further examination could not be carried out.
“The State Health Department always ensures that relevant procedures are adhered to to ensure the best services are provided to the people,” he said.
In the Twitter thread, the user said she had called the Women’s Aid Organisation on what to do after her friend had called her for help about her friend who had been raped.
The organisation instructed her that the victim should be brought to the hospital as soon as possible for a medical exam, and to go to the emergency ward of the nearest government hospital and to ask to be brought to the OSCC as there will be doctors, police officers and psychologists who could help.
According to the thread, the victim was allegedly denied entry into the OSCC as they had not made a police report, but was eventually let in to see a doctor.
However, she was not given a medical examination but was only given emergency contraception and antibiotics, it claimed.
