Understanding Verbal Autopsy through experiential learning, by Dr. Ameena Mumthaz M. C.
All of us have heard of an autopsy, more commonly known as a ‘post-mortem’—the examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death in cases where foul play is suspected. Medical examiners reach conclusions through thorough examination and dissection of the body. However, not many non-medical personnel have heard of a 'verbal autopsy.' During my MBBS studies, while reading the forensic medicine paper, I found the concept of verbal autopsy fascinating. I imagined what it would be like to determine the cause of death by analyzing the history gathered from close relatives. However, I had several questions: Why do we need to conduct a verbal autopsy? Why can't we simply perform a standard autopsy? Why is it not widely practiced in urban areas? Although I had read about it in books, I wanted to gain practical experience. Little did I know that the answers to my questions would come from my experience here in Kalahandi. Kalahandi is where I completed my tr...