MEANING 0F AUTOPSY
The term autopsy derived from the Greek word autopsia which means ‘to see with one’s eyes.’ It refers to the examination of the inside of the dead human body to discover diseases and causes of death (Kelly Rothenberg; 2008).
Types:
- Pathological Autopsy
- Medico-legal or forensic Autopsy: - (Muluki Criminal Procedural Code 2074 , Police Act 2012)
Types of Death for M-L Autopsy
a. Non-criminal deaths:
- Accidents
- Suicides
- Death from sudden natural causes
- Industrial Deaths
- Death in custody (Brought dead at hospital cases)
b. Criminal Deaths: -
- Suspicious
- Frankly Criminal
NEW LEGAL PROVISIONS
1. Muluki Criminal Procedure (Code) 2074:
Sec 20 Autopsy to be performed:
- Any person if dies in suicidal, homicidal, accidental, unusual or suspicious circumstance, the investigation Officer must go to scene and investigate
- Documentation as per format of annex 14
- Body should be sent to the Govt. hospital or the authorized Specialist or Doctor
Doctor should prepare report as per annex 15 format (Autopsy format); submit within 3 days: -
If body is decomposed, collect samples for further investigation.
If necessary, accompany the Expert to scene investigation.
If necessary, perform autopsy by team of expert
Police Act (2012) Sec.22 (ka)
- In case of unidentified bodies, after investigation, disposal by police through VDC or municipality or hand over to Medical Colleges for teaching learning purpose.
- Guideline on Management of the dead after disaster MoHA 2068 (2076).
- Guideline on Management of unidentified bodies MoHA 2078
Objectives of an Autopsy
- To make positive identification of the body.
- To determine the cause of death.
- To determine the mode of dying and time of death, where necessary and possible.
- To demonstrate all the external and internal abnormalities, malformation and diseases.
- To detect, describe and measure any external and internal injuries.
- To obtain samples for analysis; histological, microbiological, toxicological and other necessary investigations.
- To make positive identification of the body.
- To determine the cause of death.
- To determine the mode of dying and time of death, where necessary and possible.
- To demonstrate all the external and internal abnormalities, malformation and diseases.
- To detect, describe and measure any external and internal injuries.
- To obtain samples for analysis; histological, microbiological, toxicological and other necessary investigations.
PRELIMINARIES TO AN AUTOPSY:
1. Authorization: (in Nepal Police office) Inquest letter. Preliminary investigation report (body and scene description):- (Ghatnasthal Muchulka and lash janch muchulka)
2. Authorized place: Govt. hospitals or Specialists authorized by Government of Nepal
3. Preferably by Specialist or doctors trained in the field
4. Specialist should be taken to scene when necessary
5. No consent is needed by the relatives.
6. The body must be identified by relatives/police attendant
7. Report should be prepared in annexed format
AUTOPSY PROCEDURE: REF. SOP FOR AUTOPSY (MOHP)
1. Description of the body; general viewing § clothing detail § personal belongings
2. External Examination
3. Internal Examination
