Dateline Dehradun: A one-day seminar was organized at Himalayan College of Nursing (HCN), Jolly Grant in collaboration with the Department of Forensic Medicine of the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences. The speakers discussed the role of forensic nurses in medical care and legal systems.
The seminar was inaugurated at the Bhagirathi Nursing Auditorium, Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU), Jolly Grant, with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp in front of the portrait of founder Dr. Swami Rama. The keynote speaker, Professor Srinivas from University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, emphasized that forensic nurses play a crucial role in bridging the gap between medical care and the legal system. Forensic nurses are experts in caring for patients who are victims of violence, abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other crimes. As registered nurses, they use evidence-based practice and trauma-informed communication to assess and care for their patients. The assessments done by forensic nurses can serve as evidence in court, including the nurse’s notes, photographs taken, collected samples, and information provided by the victims.
Dr. Sanchita Pugazandi, the chair of the organizing committee and principal of the nursing college, stated that the seminar was themed “Forensic Nurses: Empowered Caregivers”. She highlighted the critical role of forensic nurses in evidence collection, crisis intervention management, and specialized medical care for patients facing physical and mental trauma. Forensic experts Dr. Ashish Bhute from AIIMS Rishikesh and Dr. Pragya Tripathi from HIMS delivered lectures.
Additionally, Dr. Grace Madonna Singh and Preeti Prabha briefed on counseling techniques used by forensic nurses. Earlier, the organizing secretary, Dr. Rajesh Kumar Sharma, welcomed all participants and speakers and outlined the importance of forensic nurses in India. Co-chair Dr. Sanjoy Das, vice-principal Dr. Kamli Prakash, Dr. Kanchan Bala, and Lakshmi Kumar were present during the event.
