Lahore [Pakistan], the Punjab Department of Medical Education and Specialized Healthcare informed the Lahore High Court (LHC) that a female doctor was fired for performing a two-finger test, also known as a virginity test, on a minor victim of rape, Dawn reported. .
This revelation came in a written report submitted in response to a petition filed by the rape suspect, who sought the formation of a medical board to re-examine the victim.
According to the report, the Punjab Medical Legal Surgeon investigated the matter following a complaint from the petitioner/suspect. The investigation found Dr Aliza Gill guilty ad hoc of issuing a medical certificate to the minor victim based on the two-finger test. Consequently, Dr Gill's appointment was terminated effective July 1, according to Dawn.
The department highlighted that, pursuant to the 2020 LHC ruling, directives had been repeatedly issued prohibiting the conduct or documentation of the two-finger test or virginity test in medico-legal reports for female victims of sexual assault.
During the hearing, AMS Hammad Services Hospital and Specialized Healthcare Department Additional Secretary Abdul Mannan appeared before the court. Advocate Mian Dawood, representing the petitioner, argued that the police had registered a case against her client for sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl. He maintained that Aliza Gill of Services Hospital had issued a "false and illegal" medical certificate which included evidence of the victim's two fingers.
Justice Farooq Haider expressed concern over the continued use of the two-finger test in hospitals despite the ban, saying: "This case will reach a logical conclusion." He highlighted the seriousness of issuing medical certificates in violation of the law and suggested that the court could appoint an amicus curiae to assist with the matter.
The department's legal advisor Raj Maqsood informed the court that the Punjab medical surgeon had also recommended forming a new medical board to re-examine the victim.
The petitioner's lawyer highlighted the need for strict implementation of court decisions, arguing that corrupt practices by doctors could harm others if not addressed. He said: "If a false medical certificate was issued against my client today, corrupt doctors could do the same to someone else tomorrow."
Justice Haider also criticized the Kasur police for not producing the victim and her mother before the court, expressing his displeasure over this failure. He directed the Kasur district police officer (DPO) to ensure compliance with the court orders.
The hearing was adjourned until Thursday, with the judge reiterating the importance of compliance with legal protocols and the need for a thorough investigation and accountability in sexual assault cases, Dawn reported.
This revelation came in a written report submitted in response to a petition filed by the rape suspect, who sought the formation of a medical board to re-examine the victim.
According to the report, the Punjab Medical Legal Surgeon investigated the matter following a complaint from the petitioner/suspect. The investigation found Dr Aliza Gill guilty ad hoc of issuing a medical certificate to the minor victim based on the two-finger test. Consequently, Dr Gill's appointment was terminated effective July 1, according to Dawn.
The department highlighted that, pursuant to the 2020 LHC ruling, directives had been repeatedly issued prohibiting the conduct or documentation of the two-finger test or virginity test in medico-legal reports for female victims of sexual assault.
During the hearing, AMS Hammad Services Hospital and Specialized Healthcare Department Additional Secretary Abdul Mannan appeared before the court. Advocate Mian Dawood, representing the petitioner, argued that the police had registered a case against her client for sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl. He maintained that Aliza Gill of Services Hospital had issued a "false and illegal" medical certificate which included evidence of the victim's two fingers.
Justice Farooq Haider expressed concern over the continued use of the two-finger test in hospitals despite the ban, saying: "This case will reach a logical conclusion." He highlighted the seriousness of issuing medical certificates in violation of the law and suggested that the court could appoint an amicus curiae to assist with the matter.
The department's legal advisor Raj Maqsood informed the court that the Punjab medical surgeon had also recommended forming a new medical board to re-examine the victim.
The petitioner's lawyer highlighted the need for strict implementation of court decisions, arguing that corrupt practices by doctors could harm others if not addressed. He said: "If a false medical certificate was issued against my client today, corrupt doctors could do the same to someone else tomorrow."
Justice Haider also criticized the Kasur police for not producing the victim and her mother before the court, expressing his displeasure over this failure. He directed the Kasur district police officer (DPO) to ensure compliance with the court orders.
The hearing was adjourned until Thursday, with the judge reiterating the importance of compliance with legal protocols and the need for a thorough investigation and accountability in sexual assault cases, Dawn reported.
