Govt launches SOP, app to strengthen care for survivors

• SOP includes protocols for hospitals, health complexes, welfare centres
• App to improve coordination among service providers, ensure survivor-centred care
• Nine ministries collaborate to streamline SGBV response roles

The government yesterday launched a standard operating procedure (SOP) to guide healthcare providers in delivering medical, medico-legal, and psychological care to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

Developed with support from UNFPA Bangladesh, the SOP aims to raise awareness among healthcare personnel about SGBV and its consequences, while recognising such violence as a serious public health concern, said officials.

They also said the guidelines would help doctors, nurses, midwives, and sub-assistant community medical officers understand government priorities and compliance requirements in responding to SGBV cases.

As part of the initiative, the government also introduced a mobile application titled "Clinical Management of Rape".

The app aims to improve coordination among healthcare providers, forensic experts, law enforcement, legal professionals, journalists, and social service organisations.

The digital platform is expected to address existing gaps and clarify roles and responsibilities, ensuring more cohesive and survivor-centred services.

The launch event was organised by the Gender, NGO and Stakeholder Participation Unit (GNSPU) of the Health Economics Unit under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka.

Presenting the SOP, Mohammad Shawkat Hossain Khan, director of the Health Economics Unit, said it includes separate protocols for medical college hospitals, district hospitals, upazila health complexes, maternal and child health training institutes, mother and child welfare centres, and the Mohammadpur Fertility Services and Training Centre.

Prof Md Sayedur Rahman, special assistant to the chief adviser for health ministry, described the SOP as a "bridging" document.

"At least nine ministries are involved, with overlapping responsibilities. Through this SOP, the roles of all relevant agencies – including doctors, police, lawyers, and the social welfare and women and children affairs departments – will become clearer," he said.

UNFPA Bangladesh Representative Catherine Breen Kamkong said, "Through the new SOP and referral protocols, we can ensure timely, compassionate, and survivor-centred care free from stigma or discrimination."

Md Saidur Rahman, secretary of the Health Services Division, stressed the need to make the SOP available in Bangla and ensure it is simple, smart, and user-friendly.

Dr Md Enamul Haque, director general of the Health Economics Unit, and Prof Dr Md Abu Jafor, director general of the Directorate General of Health Services, also spoke at the event.