The Karnataka government has issued guidelines requiring private hospitals in the state to report cases of pregnant minors under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). These guidelines, issued by the Health and Family Welfare Services, emphasize that cases of pregnancy in girls under 18 are considered serious offenses under the POCSO Act and must be reported without fail. Private hospitals admitting pregnant minor girls are instructed to immediately inform the nearest Special Juvenile Police Unit or local police to avoid legal repercussions.
In cases where a pregnant minor is admitted to a private hospital, the attending doctor must promptly notify the authorities to ensure legal compliance. Failure to report such cases can lead to punitive actions against both the doctors and the hospitals involved. The government has mandated that all private hospitals in Karnataka strictly adhere to these guidelines, ensuring proper documentation of POCSO cases, maintenance of medical records as per the law, and upholding patient confidentiality.
Private hospitals are required to raise awareness among their medical staff regarding the provisions and regulations of the POCSO Act. It is crucial for hospitals to cooperate with investigating authorities and ensure immediate compliance with the guidelines. Non-compliance with these directives will result in legal consequences for the concerned private hospitals or doctors, as stated in the guidelines.
