Medico Legal at El Salvador
El Salvador's medico-legal system is primarily managed by the Instituto de Medicina Legal “Dr. Roberto Masferrer” (IML), operating under the country's judiciary. This institution plays a crucial role in forensic investigations, death certifications, and providing expert testimony in legal proceedings.
🏛️ Institutional Framework
The IML is part of the Corte Suprema de Justicia (Supreme Court of Justice) and is tasked with conducting forensic medical examinations, autopsies, and issuing death certificates, It also provides expert testimony in criminal and civil cases, including those involving medical malpractice-
🧬 Forensic Services and Accreditation
The IML's Laboratory of Forensic Chemistry and Biology has been accredited under the international standard ISO/IEC 17025:2017, specifically for genetic profiling and blood alcohol analyse. This accreditation ensures that the laboratory's results are reliable and meet international standards, supporting the judicial system's efforts to combat impunity in violent crime.
⚖️ Legal Accountability in Healthcare
In recent developments, two medical professionals from the IML were convicted for illicit negotiations and falsifying document. They were found guilty of overpricing laboratory supplies through a third-party company, resulting in inflated costs to the IM. This case underscores the importance of ethical conduct and accountability within the medico-legal system.
🏥 Infrastructure Challenge
Despite advancements, some IML facilities face operational challenges. For instance, the forensic morgue in Santa Ana has been reported to have inadequate ventilation and outdated equipment, posing health risks to staff and potentially compromising the quality of forensic examinations.
🧠 Professional Development and Advocacy
The Asociación de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses de El Salvador (AMELCIFO) is a professional organization that promotes the development of forensic medicine and science. It offers postgraduate programs, organizes conferences, and advocates for the recognition of forensic experts, including the establishment of March 18 as National Forensic Expert Da.
🧩 Summary
El Salvador's medico-legal system is a critical component of its justice framework, with the IML leading forensic investigations and supporting the judiciary. While the system has made significant strides in accreditation and professional development, challenges such as infrastructure limitations and ethical concerns rean. Ongoing efforts are essential to ensure the system's effectiveness and integrity.
RELATED Blog
0 comments