The committee constituted by Government Medical College Srinagar to carry out a detailed inquiry into circumstances that led to death of a newborn on roadside, after the baby’s mother was “refused” admission at Lal Ded Hospital here, has sought extension in time for completion of probe.
On 21 January, the GMC constituted a 4-member “broad based inquiry committee” headed by principal medical college Anantnag, Prof Showkat A Jeelani, to probe the tragic incident. The panel was asked to submit its report in two days.
However, an official at GMC Srinagar said that the committee has sought extension in time, citing “logistical constraints.” “The committee met at LD Hospital on Wednesday where a preliminary discussion was held between the members,” the official said. He added that committee members decided that two days would not be enough to investigate and analyse all aspects and talk to people involved in the case.
The official said that some members could also be replaced in the committee as they had been part of the preliminary investigation committee.
Principal GMC Srinagar confirmed that the committee had sought extension of time for conducting the inquiry. “We received a letter in the morning about it,” she said adding that the committee may be given another week to conclude the inquiry.
On last Thursday afternoon, Surayya Begum of Moori village, who was pregnant for 34 weeks, was rushed to primary health centre (PHC) Kalaroos by her relatives. The doctors at the PHC had referred Begum to district hospital Kupwara, from where doctors sent her to Lal Ded Hospital.
At LD emergency, after preliminary investigations and examination, Begum was asked to go home at 8 pm by the doctor on duty, according to her relatives. Within half an hour of leaving the hospital, Begum delivered a baby on the road, outside Masjid Noor at Bemina here, her brother had said. “The baby was born alive, but died moments later, while my sister writhed in pain on the road.” The incident triggered outcry in Kashmir and led to a demand for strict action against the doctors involved in the negligence.