Symposium on Humanitarian Forensics

29/08/2018

The role of Forensic Medicine experts is not limited only to complete postmortem examination and routine medicolegal duties. The concept of humanitarian approach such as Dignified Management of Dead, providing comfort to grieved relatives, relevant forensic issues affecting the living etc are very relevant considering socio-cultural realities of the society but are often neglected in the day to day duties of a Forensic expert. Keeping this relevant but neglected aspect in mind, an initial step was envisaged by Dr Sudhir K Gupta, Professor and Head and Dr Uwom Eze, Forensic Coordinator, ICRC.

A Symposium was held on 29/08/2018 to increase awareness, knowledge, sensitization and responsiveness particularly among young Forensic Medicine experts who are the future of this country. This symposium was a joint venture of AIIMS & International Committee of Red Cross (India) with vision and aim to discuss the Humanitarian aspects of Forensic Medicine practice for future guidelines and a roadmap, and also discussing the operational aspects and capacity building, with your active collaboration as a stakeholder.

The event started with registration of delegates. The event was formally inaugurated by Dr Sudhir K Gupta, Professor & Head of the Department. The following speakers addressed the delegates:

1. Dr Sudhir K Gupta, Prof & Head: “Humanitarian aspects of Forensic Medicine” and he shared his personal experiences of dealing with disaster scenarios while working in AIIMS. He focussed on Disaster Victim Identification and repatriation of the victims with their relatives.
2. Dr BB Chaudhary, DCP, Home guards: “Police Perspective” towards Humanitarian Forensic Action.
3. Dr. Mahesh Babu, Gujarat Forensic Science University: “Introduction of International Centre for Humanitarian Forensics”
4. Dr Uwom Eze, Regional Forensic Co-ordinator, ICRC: “Humanitarian Forensic Practice”.

This was followed by an interactive session with all the participants, where all deliberated and discussed about the Humanitarian aspects of Forensic Medicine practice for future guidelines, operational aspects and capacity building. The vote of thanks was given by Dr Abhishek Yadav (Asst Professor).

The event was co-ordinated by Dr Kulbhushan Prasad (Asst Prof), Dr Abhishek Yadav (Asst Professor), Dr Antara Deb Barma (Senior resident), Dr Swati Tyagi (Senior Resident) along with the support of other resident doctors and staff of the Department. Dr Prashanth Bhagvath coordinated the event from ICRC side. The Workshop was followed by Lunch for all delegates. Altogether, about 90 delegates attended the symposium and participated actively with their inputs.