Annual Report - National Human Rights Commission

Annexure 8
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Unnecessary surgeries such as hysterectomies as was reported from AP should be curbed.
4. Women’s access to health care and gender concerns
It was painful to hear testimonies from women about the poor treatment they received even
for ANC/PNC and family planning services and the lack of respect and privacy.
Recommendation 4
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The camp approach should not be used for tubectomices/sterilizations. Good quality,
safe contraceptives need to be available in health centres at different levels, with adequate
facilities for screening follow-up and discussion about possible side-effects. Patient
feedback on quality of care should be regularly taken and acted upon.
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Medical and health care should be made available to women and children as close to their
residence as possible.
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Privacy and respect should be ensured for women and girls during medical examination
and treatment.
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The large number of hysterectomies at young ages taking place in AP without adequate
medical justification needs to be urgently looked into and curbed. The commercialization
of medical practice does not benefit persons or families and requires social control.
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There should be 24 hour PHCs functioning in every taluk for emergency obstetric care
and CHCs should have gynecologists and anesthetists. Due to the shortage of anaesthetists
medical officers with a 3 – 6 month training in anaesthesia could be authorized to give
anaesthesia.
5. Environment and Health
Strong testimonies were presented from Kerala, Tamilnadu and AP on the adverse impact on
human health resulting from exposure to toxins from industries / factories, and pesticides. This
problem exists throughout the country.
Recommendation 5
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The Department of Health at state and central level needs to have structural mechanisms
through which it can function along with other agencies likes the pollution control board,
ministry of environment and forests etc. to implement regulatory and preventive
measures, and to provide for occupational health and safety, as well as access to medical
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