Owing to the lack of required infrastructures, such as laboratory and testing machines, the forensic department at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in Thimphu is underutilised.
Otherwise, the department has enough human resource, and staff with knowledge and skills, according to JDWNRH’s Forensic Medical Specialist, Dr.Norbu.
He said they have been able to provide just the surface information in times of unnatural death or domestic violence, among others. Forensic department plays a crucial role while police investigates cases involving unnatural deaths.
“Actually, a forensic department is supposed to find out a detailed cause of death.” The doctor said since they do not have the required infrastructures, they just conduct an external examination to determine the cause of death.
The doctor also said they might forget their skills if the infrastructures are not put in place sooner.
Dr.Norbu said the department did raise the concern with the Ministry of Health about the need for infrastructures to help provide better services to the public. “But, until now nothing has been done.”
The forensic department was established in 2005.
