Ministry of Health to provide free emergency care to rape victims

Survivors of sexual assault will be given free emergency treatment so as to reduce infections and save lives, The Nation reports.

In a statement released on Monday, the Ministry of Health argues that the treatment which includes free emergency contraceptives and will also prevent unwanted pregnancies.

Director of Medical Services

Director of Medical Services, Jackson Kioko, directed all county health officials to ensure that emergency contraception is available in departments that provide assistance to sexual assault victims.

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Kioko further stated that all health management teams will assist health facilities to strengthen the job capacity building sessions through continuing medical education.

play Emergency contraceptive (Courtesy)

The departments will be required to follow existing procedures to dispense and account for the commodities.

Challenges

One of the challenges facing sexual assault survivors has been the lack of access o emergency contraception at night and after office hours.

Kioko hopes to address the challenges to make all necessary services available to survivors.

The government is therefor expected to provide more funding to ensure adequate supply of these services.

The Kenya Medical Supplies Agency provides these amenities to government hospitals but they often run out.