Delhi hospitals can't deny aid to rape victims: Minister

The Delhi government Wednesday said hospitals in the city cannot refuse immediate free medical aid in serious cases, especially to victims of rape and acid attacks.

The government also announced a string of measures in the health sector before the announcement of the schedule of the general elections. Once the date is announced, the central and state governments are barred from announcing new policies.

"We have issued an advisory to all the city hospitals not to deny immediate free medical aid to victims of sexual assault and acid attacks," Health Minister Satyendra Jain told reporters.

He said the government has received several complaints of hospitals refusing and delaying medical care to victims of crimes or road accidents.

The government will also procure 100 ambulances to ferry victims of rape or acid attacks to hospitals and back to their residences, along with accompanying family members.

The ambulances will have ICU facilities and provide "door-to-hospital" facility for people in the next six months, he said.

Government hospitals will also be computerised for their smooth functioning, he said.