By VOM News Team
The Kisoro district Human Rights Committee has learnt that victims of Sexual Violence are being charged money to have a medical form, known as PF3 filled by health workers before an examination can be conducted.
A source in the Child and Family Protection Unit (CFPU) revealed to the committee that victims of sexual crimes or assault often fail to get justice because they are asked for money by health workers to perform an examination, which by law is supposed to be done at no cost to the victim.
The Source cited an example of Kisoro Hospital, where health workers only agree to perform the examination at fee ranging between 30,000 and 50,000 Ugandan shillings.
The unsuspecting victim will often find themselves caught up in a well-organized racket that includes the gateman up till the medical worker, who is often of low cadre, asking for the money before an examination can be conducted.
Kisoro District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. Steven Nsabiyumva said his office has received similar claims of health workers who ‘extort’ money from people in need of such services.
What is a PF3 form?
The Police Form 3 (PF3) is a document that is given to a victim or survivor of a crime after an assessment by the police officer that there is reasonable basis to believe that an offence has been committed against the victim or survivor.
Under the Penal Code Act of Uganda, Cap 120, survivors must obtain a medical examination form from the police known as a Police Form 3 (PF3) in order to be examined by a Health Practitioner.
The PF3 is used to document physical or other injury. It is divided into two sections to be completed by a police officer and a Health Practitioner.
Dr. Nsabiyumva explained that health workers qualified to fill this form include the Medical Superintendent of a district hospital, Medical Officer, Clinical Officer and Midwife at the level of Nursing Officer.
He further condemned the act of extorting money from people under the guise that the money will be used to facilitate their transport to Court when called upon to testify before the Magistrate or Judge.
Sison Mugisha, the Chairperson of the Human Rights Committee, who also doubles as the HIV focal person in the district said health workers should desist from the act of illegally getting money from Victims.
He noted that those victims who are brave enough to report to Police, hoping to seek Justice are often frustrated when they cannot afford to pay money for a form, which is in fact, for free.
Kisoro Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Robert Tukamuhebwa cautioned health workers who engage in such acts to stand warned.
He further called upon the Uganda Police Force to expedite the process of releasing funds meant to facilitate health workers who go to Court to give testimonies.
Tukamuhebwa explained that in the event that Police can avail funds in a timely manner, then the vice of extortion from victims can be reduced or completed removed from public health facilities.
The district Human rights committee dialogue was facilitated by UGANET, a Non- Governmental organization aimed at advocating for the development and strengthening of an appropriate policy, legal and human rights.
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