Army gets women recruits examined by male docs

The Times of India

NEW DELHI: Normally it's up to a woman whether she wishes to go to a female or a male gynaecologist. In fact, most prefer female practitioners. But it seems the Indian Army doesn't give women the choice — if only a male doc is available, so be it. Take it or lump it.

This is what Surya Moudgil discovered to her horror. She had applied for a lieutenant's post in the army through the services selection board. When it came to the medical, including gynaecological examinations, she found it was to be done by male doctors.

Surya recalls the trauma that she and other girls underwent at the thought of having to strip, and get examined, by a male doctor. She, however, was the only one who spoke up.

In her medical examination in Allahabad on July 8, Surya raised an objection and requested for a woman gynaecologist. "The president, special medical board, Lt Colonel Turlapati told me, ‘Doctors only see, they don't touch'. He also told me that if I had a problem I shouldn't have applied and that I was the only one with a problem."

The events were revealed at a press conference here on Wednesday, held under the aegis of the All-India Democratic Women's Association, which plans to take up the issue in the Supreme Court.

Surya said her objection only invited ridicule by other Army doctors. "While the ENT specialist told me that I need to grow up, the eye doctor told me that for an eye examination he'd have to come very close to my face." She was finally advised by one doctor to go to the base hospital in Delhi for the examination since it would have female doctors.

So, she arrived in Delhi for the examination on July 29. But it was the same story all over again.

(Source: TOI)