Medical authorities have conceded that preliminary investigation into the recent shocking case of a woman pushed to deliver a baby on the roadside in sub-zero temperature prima facie established negligence of the doctor on duty.
Responding to notices from the state human rights commission, Dr Samia Rashid, principal of Government Medical College Srinagar has written to the rights body that a serious note was taken of the incident and that it needed to be probed further to take the case to a logical conclusion.
“…preliminary investigation report prima facie established negligence on part of the doctor on duty, by not admitting the said patient, that too with breach presentation,” said a report sent to SHRC.
“As such the incident needs to be probed further in order to take the matter to its logical conclusion.”
Last week, after taking suo-motto cognisance of the horrific incident, the SHRC issued notices to principal government medical college and medical superintendent of Lal Ded hospital in Srinagar where the pregnant woman was denied admission late at night.
“After getting the report of the preliminary enquiry committee, the doctor who attended the patient at that time was placed under suspension with immediate effect, and a broad based enquiry committee was constituted…in order to enquire the matter in its all aspects by hearing all the stakeholders….” Dr Samia wrote in her response to the SHRC notice.
Suraya Begum had come from the remote Kalaroos area of frontier Kupwara district seeking desperately needed medical attention at Srinagar’s LD Hospital, but she was denied admission.
Suraya then delivered a stillborn baby on the roadside in Bemina locality of the city at night in sub-zero temperature.
Dr Rashid also stated to the SHRC, “The HOD Gynae and obstetrics constituted a four member committee headed by Professor Farhat Jabeen… and said committee submitted its preliminary report.”
It also mentions that “broad based enquiry committee” comprising five doctors including MS LD hospital Dr Shabir Sidiqui will soon submit its report, which will be presented before the Commission.