An AI-powered clinical decision-support application, Raksha, is being developed to assist doctors in identifying and managing cases of child sexual abuse (CSA) under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The application was conceptualized by Dr. Keerthana Thathavarthi, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at St.
John's Medical College Hospital, Bengaluru, to support primary healthcare and emergency physicians in the clinical, legal, and referral processes involved in these cases. Named Raksha, the platform is designed to help healthcare professionals identify clinical red flags, conduct structured risk assessments, communicate with children using trauma-informed approaches, and prepare standardized medico-legal documentation. It also provides step-by-step guidance on POCSO reporting and referrals to mental health, forensic, legal, and child protection services.…
