Medical Superintendent, Govt. Lal Ded Hospital, and Principal, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Friday constituted two different committees to enquire about the cause of death of an infant in Lal Ded Hospital on Thursday, with Chief Minister’s office assuring that it is closely monitoring the investigation process.

As reported by this newspaper on Friday, that a patient identified as Asifa, bearing MRD number 4401, whose case was a known instance of high risk pregnancy, was shifted to SMHS, and the alleged rash driving of the ambulance driver led to the death of the infant.

Taking the notice of the issue, Medical Superintendent, Govt. Lal Ded Hospital issued two circulars in connection with the case, initiating a formal investigation into the matter.

While taking to Kashmir Vision, Medical Superintendent, Govt. Lal Ded Hospital Dr. Nazir Malik said that “after the issue was brought into my notice, without wasting any time, I ordered an enquiry into the matter, and issued two circulars early on Friday morning.”

The circular has sought the report from the head doctor, Dr. Rizwana, who, as was reported earlier, had said that she was not aware about as to when and why the patient was shifted to SMHS.

The second circular issued by the hospital administration has ordered the constituting of a three member committee that will be headed by Prof. Nighat Firdous. The committee has been ordered to submit its report within two days.

Meanwhile, Principal, Government Medical College (GMC), and Dean Medical College Srinagar, Dr. Samia Rashid, while taking notice of the negligence, has also issued an order in this regard, and has constituted a five member committee that has been tasked to investigate the causes that led to the death of the infant.

The order further stated that the committee will also look into the circumstances that led to the shifting of the patient, Asifa to SMHS without informing the HoD and the concerned Medical Superintended. 

The committee has also been ordered “to submit a detailed report within two days in this regard and fix responsibility so that further appropriate action to be taken,” the order said.

Concerned officials in Chief Minister’s office have also taken the suo moto cognizance of the issue after this newspaper published a report in this regard, and have assured that the office will be closely monitoring the enquiry process. The officials will also seek the report that will be submitted by the committees that have been formed to investigate the issue.

The patient’s case, as per the family members, was a high risk pregnancy case, with sources within the hospital saying that such a patient should not have been shifted to SMHS as such cases are usually sensitive and any irresponsibility can lead to grave results, like it was seen in this case.

Guest