Mysuru: At a time, when people even refrain from entering a mortuary of the hospital, out of fear that would haunt them for long, a woman has been a part of the team, conducting more than 1,300 post-mortems, under the guidance of doctors.
Rajamma, 38, a resident of Saragur, Mysuru district, a 'D' group employee, has been assisting the doctors, to conduct post-mortem.
Speaking to DH, Rajamma said that she has been assisting the team in conducting post-mortem over the last 14 years. "I joined as a 'D' group employee at the hospital in Hullahalli, Nanjangud taluk. One day a worker, who used to help the doctor in post-mortem, was absent, and I was assigned the job. I fainted when I was present during the first post-mortem procedure," she said.
I even developed fever for a few days and refused to go near the body. Then, I took it as a challenge. Dr Ravi Kumar, who was in-charge, insisted that I learn the job. He trained me thoroughly. Sometimes, I have even performed four autopsies a day," she said.
Initially, I used to help the doctors during the autopsy. Then, I started learning other procedures. Now, I am capable of doing it alone, within half an hour, with the doctor’s instructions. The encouragement by the doctors, paramedical staff and police department personnel has helped me a lot, recalls Rajamma.
Rajamma, a single mother, with an 11-year-old daughter, works as a contract outsourced worker. She appeals to the government to regularise her job, to take care of her daughter.
"Many often ask how I can do the job for years together. Some even spread unnecessary rumours that autopsies are conducted after consuming alcohol. Though it hurts me, I am undeterred and carry on with my job, as I have to support my family. I have been working as a post-mortem assistant since 2000. Women need not fear. They should proceed ahead with full courage in their respective fields," Rajamma said.