BL Chaudhary - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by BL Chaudhary

Research paper thumbnail of Potassium concentration in vitreous humor in relation to time since death

Journal of Forensic Medicine, 2007

The present study was carried out in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology of M.G.I.... more The present study was carried out in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology of M.G.I.M.S., Sewagram, Wardha, Maharastra from July 2002 to March 2004.

Research paper thumbnail of Foreign objects in genitalia: Homicide with destruction of identity – A case report

Journal of Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine, 2007

Sadistic homicides are probably more common than would be expected from reading the literature, w... more Sadistic homicides are probably more common than would be expected from reading the literature, where only a few cases are mentioned. In the present case an unclothed dead body of 25 year old female was found in the forest area by the police. On postmortem examination, we found crushed head by heavy hard blunt force (a heavy stone with blood stains recovered near body). After killing her, assailants tried to destroy her identity by burning the face and disfiguring the head. In this case beside common findings of homicide as usually seen in sexual murder cases; there was unique finding of a wine bottle introduced into vagina probably out of frustration. Body also had postmortem abrasions over different parts of the body. Postmortem fractures of multiple ribs were present on both sides of the chest. The death was due to crushed injuries to head caused by hard blunt force, which was sufficient to cause death in ordinary course of nature. We also discuss the possible scenario of psycho-...

Research paper thumbnail of Assisted Reproductive Techniques Ethical and Legal Issues

The rapid advancements in sciences have revolutionized modern medicine in a number of ways; genet... more The rapid advancements in sciences have revolutionized modern medicine in a number of ways; genetic engineering, Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), human cloning, stem cells etc. has opened up the unimagined and promise unquestionable and undreamed benefits to mankind. At the same time, they raise many questions of law and ethical issues relating to public interest, social and religious sentiments and family concern. Although ethical judgments may indeed express personal preferences and may be connected in complicated ways with cultural conventions, ethics itself is a form of rational inquiry that concerns how we should live and what we should do. Some ethical issues are matters of debate. The Delhi Government has promulgated legislation in this regard which is cited as “The Delhi artificial insemination (Human) Bill 1995. The Indian Council for Medical Research has laid down certain guidelines for clinics practicing of assisted reproductive techniques and handling of surroga...

Research paper thumbnail of Legal and ethical duties of doctor

Medicine is a noble profession. According to Hippocratic Oath, every registered medical practitio... more Medicine is a noble profession. According to Hippocratic Oath, every registered medical practitioner is supposed to help the sick according to his ability and judgment but never with a view to injury and wrong doing. Legal and ethical aspects of patient care are also very important. There are very high expectations of the patients due to growing consumerisms. Ignorance and lack of knowledge of the doctors lead to unnecessary legal problems. Doctors must know their responsibilities to patient, state and law.

Research paper thumbnail of Review Research Paper Assisted Reproductive Techniques Ethical and Legal Issues

The rapid advancements in sciences have revolutionized modern medicine in a number of ways; genet... more The rapid advancements in sciences have revolutionized modern medicine in a number of ways; genetic engineering, Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), human cloning, stem cells etc. has opened up the unimagined and promise unquestionable and undreamed benefits to mankind. At the same time, they raise many questions of law and ethical issues relating to public interest, social and religious sentiments and family concern. Although ethical judgments may indeed express personal preferences and may be connected in complicated ways with cultural conventions, ethics itself is a form of rational inquiry that concerns how we should live and what we should do. Some ethical issues are matters of debate. The Delhi Government has promulgated legislation in this regard which is cited as “The Delhi artificial insemination (Human) Bill 1995. The Indian Council for Medical Research has laid down certain guidelines for clinics practicing of assisted reproductive techniques and handling of surroga...

Research paper thumbnail of Crime against women with special reference to Rajasthan

IP International Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicological Sciences

Introduction: Atrocities/violent crimes against women have risen in recent times in the state of ... more Introduction: Atrocities/violent crimes against women have risen in recent times in the state of Rajasthan. Traditionally Rajasthan is known for peaceful coexistence of females. Is the changing social milieu being responsible for sudden rise of crimes or the social fabric has been rewoven. Materials and Methods: The statistical analysis of various parameters and available data from NCRB and state government is scrutinized to see changing pattern in occurrence of crime against women. Discussion: According to State Police Department data, Rajasthan has witnessed a 66.78% rise in crime against women in first half of this year compared to same last year. Total number of cases between January-July 2019 is 25,420 compared to 15,242 in 2018. In July alone cases of women atrocities are a whopping 4,898 while they were 2614 in July 2018. Heinous crimes like rape has seen a jump from 2,587 to 3,677. Molestation shows a rise from 3,171 to 5,329. Abduction rose from 2,687 to 3,762. Cases of domestic violence jumped from 5,884 to 11,459. Dowry related deaths from 231 to 273. Most of the cases were closed as false reporting and approximately 50% cases were taken to court. Kota and Jodhpur cities are India's top 10 in the crime against women and Jaipur Commissionerate alone shows a rise of 105.74%. Police attribute this to increase in awareness about crime reporting or compensation but fact remains that this is an indicator of sexual disparity in crime and females still being seen as a soft target. Conclusion: The settings up of special Police cell and special courts exclusively looking into such matters have speed up case trial and decreased pendency. Equally important is to respect and fear of law in minds of criminals. The onus rest upon us and family to teach values to our children.

Research paper thumbnail of Medical examination of child of sexual assault under the protection of children from sexual offences (POSCO), act 2012

IP International Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicological Sciences

The Government of India enacted the Prevention of Children from Sexual Assault Offences (POCSO) A... more The Government of India enacted the Prevention of Children from Sexual Assault Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 w.e.f. 14/11/2012. The act deals with child sexual abuse cases and to provide the protection to children from the sexual offences and safeguarding the interests & their identity through child-friendly mechanisms for reporting, medical examination, evidence collection, investigation and speedy trial. The Act defines; child (any person below eighteen years), different forms of sexual abuse and prescribes punishment with a maximum term of rigorous imprisonment for life and fine. Whenever doctor suspects that child has been or is being sexually abused, he shall immediately report the matter to the concern police. The non-compliance shall be caused imprisonment up to six months, with or without fine. It's Police's responsibility to take the child to the nearest hospital (government or private). According to section-357C (Cr.PC1973) under section-23 of the criminal law amendment act, all hospitals are bound to give free of cost first-aid or medical treatment to the victim. The section-27 (POCSO Act) and section-164-A (Cr.PC) prescribe that medical examination and collection of forensic evidence shall be carried out within twenty-four hours of receiving the information regarding offence. The examination shall be conducted by a government doctor and if government doctor is not available than any other registered private medical practitioner, with the consent of child or any other person who is competent to give consent. The examination and collection of evidences shall be done in the presence of the parent or any other child's trustworthy person. A female doctor should examine, if the child is female. The section-173, subsection (5) clause (a) of the POSCO Act bounds doctor to forward the report to the police officer and thereafter investigating officer shall forward the report to the concern magistrate.

Research paper thumbnail of Recent trends of medical negligence – An autopsy based study at lady hardinge medical college, New Delhi

IP International Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicological Sciences

Background: Due to rise in public awareness, reporting of medical negligence cases increased many... more Background: Due to rise in public awareness, reporting of medical negligence cases increased many folds in India. Medical Negligence is absence of reasonable skill, misconduct by a medical practitioner by not providing enough care (act of omission or commission) resulting in breach of their duties and harming the patients. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of all autopsy cases conducted during the period of 2013-17 in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi. The case of Medical negligence was decided based on history enumerated by Investigation Officer. Results: The highest number (1.23%) of alleged medical negligence deaths were reported during year 2016. Maximum numbers (42%) were observed in age group of 0-10 years followed by 21-30 years i.e. 23%. Female were outnumbered to male constituting 55% of total medical negligence deaths. 23% death cases were observed in Medicine and Pediatrics departments followed by Obstetrics and Gynecology. Viscera for chemical analysis and histopathology were preserved in majority of cases i.e. 77% and 74% respectively. Conclusion: Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology and General Surgery are the branches facing most suits of negligence. Careful attention, empathy, clear communication, soft skills and consent is helpful to avoid allegations and medicolegal autopsy should be conducted in all alleged cases of negligence.

Research paper thumbnail of Crime against women with special reference to Rajasthan

IP innovative publication pvt. ltd, 2019

Introduction: Atrocities/violent crimes against women have risen in recent times in the state of ... more Introduction: Atrocities/violent crimes against women have risen in recent times in the state of Rajasthan. Traditionally Rajasthan is known for peaceful coexistence of females. Is the changing social milieu being responsible for sudden rise of crimes or the social fabric has been rewoven. Materials and Methods: The statistical analysis of various parameters and available data from NCRB and state government is scrutinized to see changing pattern in occurrence of crime against women. Discussion: According to State Police Department data, Rajasthan has witnessed a 66.78% rise in crime against women in first half of this year compared to same last year. Total number of cases between January –July 2019 is 25,420 compared to 15,242 in 2018. In July alone cases of women atrocities are a whopping 4,898 while they were 2614 in July 2018. Heinous crimes like rape has seen a jump from 2,587 to 3,677. Molestation shows a rise from 3,171 to 5,329. Abduction rose from 2,687 to 3,762. Cases of do...

Research paper thumbnail of Medical examination of child of sexual assault under the protection of children from sexual offences (POSCO), act 2012

IP Innovative Publication Pvt. Ltd., Dec 1, 2017

The Government of India enacted the Prevention of Children from Sexual Assault Offences (POCSO) A... more The Government of India enacted the Prevention of Children from Sexual Assault Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 w.e.f. 14/11/2012. The act deals with child sexual abuse cases and to provide the protection to children from the sexual offences and safeguarding the interests & their identity through child-friendly mechanisms for reporting, medical examination, evidence collection, investigation and speedy trial. The Act defines; child (any person below eighteen years), different forms of sexual abuse and prescribes punishment with a maximum term of rigorous imprisonment for life and fine. Whenever doctor suspects that child has been or is being sexually abused, he shall immediately report the matter to the concern police. The non-compliance shall be caused imprisonment up to six months, with or without fine. It's Police's responsibility to take the child to the nearest hospital (government or private). According to section-357C (Cr.PC1973) under section-23 of the criminal law amendme...

Research paper thumbnail of Proposed Legislative: Human DNA Profiling Bill: Indian Scenario

Medico-Legal Update, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of A Study on Mortality Profile among Fifty Plus- (50+-) Population (FPP) of India: A 5-Year Retrospective Study at New Delhi District

Current gerontology and geriatrics research, 2016

Objectives. To find out the mortality profile vis-a-vis different epidemiological factors at the ... more Objectives. To find out the mortality profile vis-a-vis different epidemiological factors at the time of autopsy among the 50+-Population. Material and Method. A five-year retrospective evaluation of medicolegal records between 2006 and 2010 was done at Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi. Results. A total of 493 (17.78%) cases belonged to 50+-Population age group out of total 2773 autopsies performed. The proportion of unidentified/unknown persons among this age group was 36.51%. The unnatural and natural causes constituted 44.62% and 55.38% cases, respectively. The unspecified pneumonitis (50.18%) was reported as the commonest cause followed by coronary artery disease and respiratory tuberculosis among natural ones and the transport accident (57.27%) followed by accidental and intentional self-poisoning and exposure to noxious substances and falls among the unnatural ones. Conclusion. The findings reveal that this age group most commonly dies of natural causes rather than the...

Research paper thumbnail of An autopsy-based evaluation of deaths of homeless unknown persons (HUPs)

Journal of Social Distress and the Homeless

ABSTRACT Background: India is a significant host to homeless unknown persons (HUPs) and subsequen... more ABSTRACT Background: India is a significant host to homeless unknown persons (HUPs) and subsequently to their untimely deaths due to various reasons. The autopsy-based evaluation has been always important in knowing the exact reasons behind it. Objective: To know about the epidemiological mortality profile such as magnitude, cause and manner of death, seasonality, and year-wise distribution of their untimely and unattended deaths. Materials and Methods: A retrospective autopsy-based evaluation of unnatural deaths among HUPs was done at LHMC, New Delhi for a total duration of 5 years (January 2006 to December 2010). Results: Out of 749 cases in the study group in this duration, 536 deaths have been caused due to some natural events and 213 due to some unnatural events. Among the natural deaths, the pulmonary pathology did contribute for 509 cases. Conclusion: The study population is a vulnerable segment of the society which often suffers the extreme adversity of natural and unnatural events in the form of their deaths. It is a significant host to the pulmonary infections that often spread to the other segments of the society at the point of contact. Thereby it deserves an urgent public health intervention and a policy response for the same for the well-being of HUPs and the general public at large.

Research paper thumbnail of Potassium concentration in vitreous humor in relation to time since death

Journal of Forensic Medicine, 2007

The present study was carried out in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology of M.G.I.... more The present study was carried out in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology of M.G.I.M.S., Sewagram, Wardha, Maharastra from July 2002 to March 2004.

Research paper thumbnail of Foreign objects in genitalia: Homicide with destruction of identity – A case report

Journal of Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine, 2007

Sadistic homicides are probably more common than would be expected from reading the literature, w... more Sadistic homicides are probably more common than would be expected from reading the literature, where only a few cases are mentioned. In the present case an unclothed dead body of 25 year old female was found in the forest area by the police. On postmortem examination, we found crushed head by heavy hard blunt force (a heavy stone with blood stains recovered near body). After killing her, assailants tried to destroy her identity by burning the face and disfiguring the head. In this case beside common findings of homicide as usually seen in sexual murder cases; there was unique finding of a wine bottle introduced into vagina probably out of frustration. Body also had postmortem abrasions over different parts of the body. Postmortem fractures of multiple ribs were present on both sides of the chest. The death was due to crushed injuries to head caused by hard blunt force, which was sufficient to cause death in ordinary course of nature. We also discuss the possible scenario of psycho-...

Research paper thumbnail of Assisted Reproductive Techniques Ethical and Legal Issues

The rapid advancements in sciences have revolutionized modern medicine in a number of ways; genet... more The rapid advancements in sciences have revolutionized modern medicine in a number of ways; genetic engineering, Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), human cloning, stem cells etc. has opened up the unimagined and promise unquestionable and undreamed benefits to mankind. At the same time, they raise many questions of law and ethical issues relating to public interest, social and religious sentiments and family concern. Although ethical judgments may indeed express personal preferences and may be connected in complicated ways with cultural conventions, ethics itself is a form of rational inquiry that concerns how we should live and what we should do. Some ethical issues are matters of debate. The Delhi Government has promulgated legislation in this regard which is cited as “The Delhi artificial insemination (Human) Bill 1995. The Indian Council for Medical Research has laid down certain guidelines for clinics practicing of assisted reproductive techniques and handling of surroga...

Research paper thumbnail of Legal and ethical duties of doctor

Medicine is a noble profession. According to Hippocratic Oath, every registered medical practitio... more Medicine is a noble profession. According to Hippocratic Oath, every registered medical practitioner is supposed to help the sick according to his ability and judgment but never with a view to injury and wrong doing. Legal and ethical aspects of patient care are also very important. There are very high expectations of the patients due to growing consumerisms. Ignorance and lack of knowledge of the doctors lead to unnecessary legal problems. Doctors must know their responsibilities to patient, state and law.

Research paper thumbnail of Review Research Paper Assisted Reproductive Techniques Ethical and Legal Issues

The rapid advancements in sciences have revolutionized modern medicine in a number of ways; genet... more The rapid advancements in sciences have revolutionized modern medicine in a number of ways; genetic engineering, Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), human cloning, stem cells etc. has opened up the unimagined and promise unquestionable and undreamed benefits to mankind. At the same time, they raise many questions of law and ethical issues relating to public interest, social and religious sentiments and family concern. Although ethical judgments may indeed express personal preferences and may be connected in complicated ways with cultural conventions, ethics itself is a form of rational inquiry that concerns how we should live and what we should do. Some ethical issues are matters of debate. The Delhi Government has promulgated legislation in this regard which is cited as “The Delhi artificial insemination (Human) Bill 1995. The Indian Council for Medical Research has laid down certain guidelines for clinics practicing of assisted reproductive techniques and handling of surroga...

Research paper thumbnail of Crime against women with special reference to Rajasthan

IP International Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicological Sciences

Introduction: Atrocities/violent crimes against women have risen in recent times in the state of ... more Introduction: Atrocities/violent crimes against women have risen in recent times in the state of Rajasthan. Traditionally Rajasthan is known for peaceful coexistence of females. Is the changing social milieu being responsible for sudden rise of crimes or the social fabric has been rewoven. Materials and Methods: The statistical analysis of various parameters and available data from NCRB and state government is scrutinized to see changing pattern in occurrence of crime against women. Discussion: According to State Police Department data, Rajasthan has witnessed a 66.78% rise in crime against women in first half of this year compared to same last year. Total number of cases between January-July 2019 is 25,420 compared to 15,242 in 2018. In July alone cases of women atrocities are a whopping 4,898 while they were 2614 in July 2018. Heinous crimes like rape has seen a jump from 2,587 to 3,677. Molestation shows a rise from 3,171 to 5,329. Abduction rose from 2,687 to 3,762. Cases of domestic violence jumped from 5,884 to 11,459. Dowry related deaths from 231 to 273. Most of the cases were closed as false reporting and approximately 50% cases were taken to court. Kota and Jodhpur cities are India's top 10 in the crime against women and Jaipur Commissionerate alone shows a rise of 105.74%. Police attribute this to increase in awareness about crime reporting or compensation but fact remains that this is an indicator of sexual disparity in crime and females still being seen as a soft target. Conclusion: The settings up of special Police cell and special courts exclusively looking into such matters have speed up case trial and decreased pendency. Equally important is to respect and fear of law in minds of criminals. The onus rest upon us and family to teach values to our children.

Research paper thumbnail of Medical examination of child of sexual assault under the protection of children from sexual offences (POSCO), act 2012

IP International Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicological Sciences

The Government of India enacted the Prevention of Children from Sexual Assault Offences (POCSO) A... more The Government of India enacted the Prevention of Children from Sexual Assault Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 w.e.f. 14/11/2012. The act deals with child sexual abuse cases and to provide the protection to children from the sexual offences and safeguarding the interests & their identity through child-friendly mechanisms for reporting, medical examination, evidence collection, investigation and speedy trial. The Act defines; child (any person below eighteen years), different forms of sexual abuse and prescribes punishment with a maximum term of rigorous imprisonment for life and fine. Whenever doctor suspects that child has been or is being sexually abused, he shall immediately report the matter to the concern police. The non-compliance shall be caused imprisonment up to six months, with or without fine. It's Police's responsibility to take the child to the nearest hospital (government or private). According to section-357C (Cr.PC1973) under section-23 of the criminal law amendment act, all hospitals are bound to give free of cost first-aid or medical treatment to the victim. The section-27 (POCSO Act) and section-164-A (Cr.PC) prescribe that medical examination and collection of forensic evidence shall be carried out within twenty-four hours of receiving the information regarding offence. The examination shall be conducted by a government doctor and if government doctor is not available than any other registered private medical practitioner, with the consent of child or any other person who is competent to give consent. The examination and collection of evidences shall be done in the presence of the parent or any other child's trustworthy person. A female doctor should examine, if the child is female. The section-173, subsection (5) clause (a) of the POSCO Act bounds doctor to forward the report to the police officer and thereafter investigating officer shall forward the report to the concern magistrate.

Research paper thumbnail of Recent trends of medical negligence – An autopsy based study at lady hardinge medical college, New Delhi

IP International Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicological Sciences

Background: Due to rise in public awareness, reporting of medical negligence cases increased many... more Background: Due to rise in public awareness, reporting of medical negligence cases increased many folds in India. Medical Negligence is absence of reasonable skill, misconduct by a medical practitioner by not providing enough care (act of omission or commission) resulting in breach of their duties and harming the patients. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of all autopsy cases conducted during the period of 2013-17 in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi. The case of Medical negligence was decided based on history enumerated by Investigation Officer. Results: The highest number (1.23%) of alleged medical negligence deaths were reported during year 2016. Maximum numbers (42%) were observed in age group of 0-10 years followed by 21-30 years i.e. 23%. Female were outnumbered to male constituting 55% of total medical negligence deaths. 23% death cases were observed in Medicine and Pediatrics departments followed by Obstetrics and Gynecology. Viscera for chemical analysis and histopathology were preserved in majority of cases i.e. 77% and 74% respectively. Conclusion: Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology and General Surgery are the branches facing most suits of negligence. Careful attention, empathy, clear communication, soft skills and consent is helpful to avoid allegations and medicolegal autopsy should be conducted in all alleged cases of negligence.

Research paper thumbnail of Crime against women with special reference to Rajasthan

IP innovative publication pvt. ltd, 2019

Introduction: Atrocities/violent crimes against women have risen in recent times in the state of ... more Introduction: Atrocities/violent crimes against women have risen in recent times in the state of Rajasthan. Traditionally Rajasthan is known for peaceful coexistence of females. Is the changing social milieu being responsible for sudden rise of crimes or the social fabric has been rewoven. Materials and Methods: The statistical analysis of various parameters and available data from NCRB and state government is scrutinized to see changing pattern in occurrence of crime against women. Discussion: According to State Police Department data, Rajasthan has witnessed a 66.78% rise in crime against women in first half of this year compared to same last year. Total number of cases between January –July 2019 is 25,420 compared to 15,242 in 2018. In July alone cases of women atrocities are a whopping 4,898 while they were 2614 in July 2018. Heinous crimes like rape has seen a jump from 2,587 to 3,677. Molestation shows a rise from 3,171 to 5,329. Abduction rose from 2,687 to 3,762. Cases of do...

Research paper thumbnail of Medical examination of child of sexual assault under the protection of children from sexual offences (POSCO), act 2012

IP Innovative Publication Pvt. Ltd., Dec 1, 2017

The Government of India enacted the Prevention of Children from Sexual Assault Offences (POCSO) A... more The Government of India enacted the Prevention of Children from Sexual Assault Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 w.e.f. 14/11/2012. The act deals with child sexual abuse cases and to provide the protection to children from the sexual offences and safeguarding the interests & their identity through child-friendly mechanisms for reporting, medical examination, evidence collection, investigation and speedy trial. The Act defines; child (any person below eighteen years), different forms of sexual abuse and prescribes punishment with a maximum term of rigorous imprisonment for life and fine. Whenever doctor suspects that child has been or is being sexually abused, he shall immediately report the matter to the concern police. The non-compliance shall be caused imprisonment up to six months, with or without fine. It's Police's responsibility to take the child to the nearest hospital (government or private). According to section-357C (Cr.PC1973) under section-23 of the criminal law amendme...

Research paper thumbnail of Proposed Legislative: Human DNA Profiling Bill: Indian Scenario

Medico-Legal Update, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of A Study on Mortality Profile among Fifty Plus- (50+-) Population (FPP) of India: A 5-Year Retrospective Study at New Delhi District

Current gerontology and geriatrics research, 2016

Objectives. To find out the mortality profile vis-a-vis different epidemiological factors at the ... more Objectives. To find out the mortality profile vis-a-vis different epidemiological factors at the time of autopsy among the 50+-Population. Material and Method. A five-year retrospective evaluation of medicolegal records between 2006 and 2010 was done at Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi. Results. A total of 493 (17.78%) cases belonged to 50+-Population age group out of total 2773 autopsies performed. The proportion of unidentified/unknown persons among this age group was 36.51%. The unnatural and natural causes constituted 44.62% and 55.38% cases, respectively. The unspecified pneumonitis (50.18%) was reported as the commonest cause followed by coronary artery disease and respiratory tuberculosis among natural ones and the transport accident (57.27%) followed by accidental and intentional self-poisoning and exposure to noxious substances and falls among the unnatural ones. Conclusion. The findings reveal that this age group most commonly dies of natural causes rather than the...

Research paper thumbnail of An autopsy-based evaluation of deaths of homeless unknown persons (HUPs)

Journal of Social Distress and the Homeless

ABSTRACT Background: India is a significant host to homeless unknown persons (HUPs) and subsequen... more ABSTRACT Background: India is a significant host to homeless unknown persons (HUPs) and subsequently to their untimely deaths due to various reasons. The autopsy-based evaluation has been always important in knowing the exact reasons behind it. Objective: To know about the epidemiological mortality profile such as magnitude, cause and manner of death, seasonality, and year-wise distribution of their untimely and unattended deaths. Materials and Methods: A retrospective autopsy-based evaluation of unnatural deaths among HUPs was done at LHMC, New Delhi for a total duration of 5 years (January 2006 to December 2010). Results: Out of 749 cases in the study group in this duration, 536 deaths have been caused due to some natural events and 213 due to some unnatural events. Among the natural deaths, the pulmonary pathology did contribute for 509 cases. Conclusion: The study population is a vulnerable segment of the society which often suffers the extreme adversity of natural and unnatural events in the form of their deaths. It is a significant host to the pulmonary infections that often spread to the other segments of the society at the point of contact. Thereby it deserves an urgent public health intervention and a policy response for the same for the well-being of HUPs and the general public at large.