Special units in govt hospitals to treat abused women

Ridma Dissanayake

The Health Ministry will establish special units in government hospitals to treat women subjected to sexual harassment, a Health Ministry spokesman said yesterday.

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena decided to establish these units next year on National Children Protection Authority (NCPA) Chairperson Anoma Dissanayake's request.

Dissanayake made this request to the Health Minister at the National Children Mental Health Forum - 2012 at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI) held under the theme 'Improving the mental well being of children'.

Minister Sirisena requested Dissanayake to make her request in writing after discussions with Health Ministry Secretary Dr Nihal Jayathilake.

"Women who are subject to sexual harassment and abuse, face a number of problems in society. They are often victimised and have to undergo mental agony. We must make their lives comfortable and give them a sense of belonging. Therefore, the establishment of special units is a timely need," the NCPA chairman said.