KUALA LUMPUR: The Sarawak Health Department has clarified that a rape victim, who was recently referred to the One Stop Crisis Centre (OSCC) at a government hospital, declined to lodge a police report.
It said the victim also declined any further evaluation after receiving initial treatment at the medical facility.
The department was responding to the case following a claim by a Twitter user @serenespaghetti, who said that a rape victim was denied entry into the OSCC at a government hospital.
When speaking to The Borneo Post, Sarawak Health director Dr Ooi Choo Huck confirmed that the incident took place at a government hospital in Sarawak around 10.30pm last Wednesday (July 5).
However, Dr Ooi said hospital staff provided the victim with proper attention and treatment at the emergency department including comprehensive medical examination.
"The woman was initially screened by a health personnel on duty and was asked to lodge a police report at the police booth next to the emergency department.
"However, after discussing with the emergency physician on duty, she was sent to the OSCC," he said.
He said after being examined by a medical officer, the proper procedures for such cases, including the importance of filing a police report and providing written consent for further evaluation, were explained to the woman.
Dr Ooi said the patient declined to file a police report or grant permission for any further evaluation, despite the advice given by the medical officer.
"Since there was no written consent from the patient, further evaluation could not be conducted.
"She was advised to return to the hospital for an assessment if she changed her mind within 72 hours," he said.
He added that the patient was discharged with appropriate prescription of anti-pregnancy medication and antibiotics.
"Referrals were also made to counsellors for outpatient counselling services," Dr Ooi said.