Govt hospital in Udaipur sets up special OPD for domestic violence victims

Jaipur: The Maharana Bhupal Hospital in Udaipur, a government-run facility, has established a unique outpatient department (OPD) dedicated to assisting women who are victims of domestic violence and other atrocities. Inaugurated on Aug 22, the OPD has provided support to 40 women. The hospital collaborates with an NGO that offers legal assistance to these women.

The hospital authorities recognised the necessity for such an OPD, acknowledging that women facing domestic abuse require specialised care due to mental and physical trauma they endure, which significantly impacts their health.

Medical superintendent of MB Hospital, Dr RL Suman, said, "Women facing atrocities often feel uncomfortable to visit police stations with their complaints. However, they feel free in visiting hospitals with their problems and hence we have set up an OPD for such women, who are victims of domestic violence and atrocities. In just one month of opening the ward, we have reported 40 such cases."

The OPD, located in room 132 of the hospital, was established with the assistance of Society for Women's Action and Training Initiative (SWATI), a Gujarat-based NGO. The hospital has encountered various cases, including a woman in her 20s who reported psychological distress caused by her in-laws' mistreatment, and another woman in her 30s who experienced similar issues.

Dr Suman said, "We have psychologists and counsellors at the OPD along with doctors who immediately provided them help." Additionally, the NGO's counselors provide legal assistance when required.

The impact of violence and atrocities on women's health is evident in the complaints received at the OPD. Women seeking help often suffer from mental illness, dizziness, anaemia, high-risk pregnancy, insomnia, excessive sleep, blood pressure fluctuations at a young age, anxiety, and sexual harassment.