‘Only detailed examination will reveal whether it is self-neglect or neglect by family’

Doctors at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (Nimhans), attending on Hemavathi who was rescued from an alleged four-year confinement by her family, ruled out any acute medical, neurological or psychiatric problem in her.

Medical Superintendent V.L. Sateesh told The Hindu barring general weakness and stiff joints, she did not have any major problem. “She is talking and answering questions normally. She also had food and her parents are with her. Although we don’t know the exact reason for her confinement, preliminary examination does not show any major problem,” he said.

Pointing out that a team of experienced and senior doctors were attending on her, Dr. Sateesh said there definitely was some neglect but doctors could not come to a conclusion now. “Only detailed examination will reveal whether it is self-neglect or neglect by family or a combination of both. We will evaluate this in a couple of days.”

The hospital’s first priority was to make her feel comfortable. “We are not bombarding her with questions. Right now she is dishevelled and what she needs is some privacy and help in maintaining personal hygiene. It is because of this that she has been admitted to the ICU. We will evaluate her gradually,” Dr. Sateesh said.