Medico Legal at Bhutan
In Bhutan, medico-legal services are provided through a collaborative framework involving healthcare institutions, regulatory bodies, and law enforcement agencies. These services are essential for addressing cases that intersect medical and legal considerations, such as violence-related injuries, sexual offenses, and sudden or unexplained deaths.
Key Institutions and Services:
Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH):
Role: As the national referral hospital located in Thimphu, JDWNRH offers comprehensive healthcare services, including specialized medico-legal services.
Services:
Forensic Medicine Department: Established in 2005, this department handles medico-legal cases, including interpersonal violence, sexual assault, domestic violence, and road traffic accidents. In 2017, it registered 643 cases of interpersonal violence, 339 domestic violence cases, and 278 road traffic accident cases.
Planned Facilities: The 12th Five-Year Plan includes the development of mortuary and autopsy facilities to enhance forensic capabilities.
Medical and Health Professionals Council (MHPC):
Role: Operating under the Bhutan Qualifications and Professionals Certification Authority (BQPCA), the MHPC regulates the qualifications and practices of medical and health professionals.
Responsibilities:
Registration and Licensing: Registers medical and health professionals trained both domestically and internationally.
Regulation and Monitoring: Oversees the conduct and practice of registered professionals, ensuring adherence to established standards.
Complaint Investigation: Addresses grievances related to medical and health professionals.
Contact Information:
Address: Namgaychoeling, Chang Gidaphu
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Royal Bhutan Police Forensic Science Laboratory:
Role: Established in November 2023, this is Bhutan's first dedicated forensic laboratory, enhancing the country's capacity to handle forensic investigations.
Facilities and Services:
DNA Analysis: Equipped for comprehensive DNA recovery and analysis.
Future Capabilities: Plans include expanding services to toxicology, fingerprint analysis, and cybercrime investigations.
Development: Developed in collaboration with international partners, ensuring compliance with global quality standards.
Attorney General's Office:
Role: Serves as the legal advisor to the government and represents the state in legal matters.
Responsibilities:
Legislation: Drafts and reviews laws for parliamentary consideration.
Prosecution: Handles criminal prosecutions and legal proceedings involving the state.
Educational Initiatives:
Master's Program in General Practice:
Curriculum Focus: Includes training in forensic medicine, covering topics such as the medico-legal aspects of reproductive health, principles of forensic sampling, and documentation for legal proceedings.
Competency Development: Ensures practitioners can evaluate survivors of gender-based violence, assess child abuse cases, and perform medico-legal death investigations.
Regulatory Framework:
Medical and Health Council Act of 2002: Establishes the MHPC's authority to regulate medical education, qualifications, and practice standards.
Medicines Act of 2003: Creates the Bhutan Medicines Board and associated bodies to oversee pharmaceuticals and related services.
Conclusion:
Bhutan's medico-legal system is supported by a network of institutions dedicated to providing specialized services at the intersection of healthcare and law. The collaborative efforts of JDWNRH, the MHPC, the Royal Bhutan Police Forensic Science Laboratory, and the Attorney General's Office ensure comprehensive care and legal processing of medico-legal cases. Ongoing educational programs and a robust regulatory framework further strengthen the country's capacity to address medico-legal challenges effectively.
RELATED Blog
0 comments