The three tertiary hospitals, 16 peripheral hospitals under the BMC, and the state-run hospitals are the most easily accessible treatment centres in the city, where treatment is provided at subsidised rates. However, it appears that the most of these centres have ignored the need to follow a systematic protocol when it comes to collecting samples or crucial information from rape victims.

For years now, error-free collection of samples and their foolproof storage in one compact container – the rape kit – had been the onus of an NGO, the Centre for Enquiry into Health and Allied Themes (Cehat). Members of the organisation have been fighting a losing battle trying to convince authorities in the government of Maharashtra and the state health department to set up specific protocol for treatment of physical injuries in rape victims, as well as prophylaxis and testing for sexually transmitted infections at all government and BMC hospitals. But their efforts have yielded no significant response.