FORENSIC MEDICINE AND TOXICOLOGY

Vision & Mission Statement:
The Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, AIIMS Bathinda aims to contribute in the progress of the institute by actively engaging in multifarious activities of research, teaching, training and learning activities. Dr. Akhilesh Pathak, designated as Professor and Head of the Department since November 2019, has vast experience and expertise in the field with the vision of providing highest standards of medico-legal services in the state of Punjab. Our distinguished faculty members are zealous in  providing their expert opinion in clinical forensic & other medico-legal cases, committed for contributing towards framing of policies & guidelines.
In order to achieve our goal of escalating the quality of medico-legal services, we are in the process of effectuating regular workshops & hands on training involving participants of various cadre/ disciplines such as Medical officers, Judicial officers, law enforcement authorities and Forensic scientific officers. Commencement of Post-graduation & PhD. courses in his field are also in the pipe-line.

Goal : Our goal of teaching undergraduate students in Forensic Medicine and Toxicology is:

1. To produce a physician who is well informed about medicolegal responsibilities in the practice of medicine.
2. He/She will be capable of making observations and inferring conclusions by logical deductions to set enquiries on the right track in criminal matters and connected medicolegal problems.
3. He/She acquires knowledge of law in relation to medical practice, medical negligence and respect for codes of medical ethics.

Objectives: At the end of the course in Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, MBBS student will be:

1. Able to understand basic concept of the subject and its importance.
2. Aware of inquest, legal and court procedures applicable to medico-legal and medical practice.
3. Able to perform medicolegal post-mortem/autopsy findings and results of other relevant investigations for logical conclusion and framing the opinion on cause, manner and time since death.
4. Able to diagnose and manage the cases of acute and chronic poisoning and can carry out medicolegal duties.
5. Aware of general principles of analytical, environmental, occupational toxicology including toxicovigilance and predictive toxicology.
6. Aware of latest advances in Forensic Medicine and Toxicology and their medicolegal importance.
7. Able to reserve and dispatch relevant various articles, trace evidences including viscera in poisoning cases in medicolegal cases/autopsy examination and handing over the same to appropriate agencies.
8. Able to identify the medicolegal cases, carry out medical examination in such cases and prepare medicolegal report as per the law of the land.
9. Aware of code of ethics, duties and rights of medical practitioner, duties towards patients and community, punishment on violation of code of ethics, various forms of medical negligence, duties towards his professional colleagues.
10. Aware regarding recent amendments in laws and its application in the practice of medicine.