On 28 January 2013, the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi issued Guidelines for Rapid Response by Hospitals of Government of NCT of Delhi in case of medico-legal case (MLC) examination of victims of Sexual Assault.
Sama initiated a process of assessment of public hospitals in Delhi in 2013- 2014 focusing on the preparedness, current practices and perceptions of healthcare providers in responding to gender based violence. Interviews were conducted with 22 public hospitals. Apart from infrastructural and resource constraints, gaps in knowledge and skills also emerged as major issues in responding to gender based violence. This process brought to the fore the need for strengthening the capacities of public hospitals and healthcare providers in responding to survivors of gender based violence.