SRINAGAR: People’s Democratic Party Youth President and Assembly Candidate from Pulwama Waheed Ur Rehman Parra on Sunday expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the tragic death of Saboora Arshid, a 22-year-old Master’s student from Pulwama, due to alleged medical negligence at Pulwama Hospital. Parra said that the young girl’s death, which occurred following minor nose surgery, has left the entire Pulwama in shock and has exposed the alarming state of healthcare in the Pulwama district.

“The doctor took Saboora into the operation theatre, but failed to provide updates on her condition for three hours, sparking apprehension. When questioned, the nursing home staff instructed them to rush to a government hospital in Srinagar, where they were devastatingly informed that Saboora had passed away,” he said in a statement. He emphasized that the family was left clueless and distraught, alleging that the doctor’s negligence and lack of communication led to Saboora’s tragic demise. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and demands for justice.

Parra criticized the deteriorating conditions of healthcare services in Pulwama and other facilities within the district. He condemned the poor state of infrastructure, lack of accountability, and widespread negligence, stating that these issues reflect the government’s broader failure to prioritize the health and well-being of its citizens. “We must urgently fix responsibility and ensure accountability for this loss. Every life is precious, and failures in medical care demand thorough investigation and systemic changes to prevent future tragedies. Let’s demand justice and push for a better healthcare system that values life and compassion,” he added. Parra expressed concern over the prevailing healthcare crisis in Pulwama, calling the situation “disastrous.” He pointed out that the Pulwama hospitals and other medical centres- both government and private ones are in deplorable condition, with inadequate facilities, poorly equipped operation theatres, and a general lack of transparency in medical care. This dire situation leaves the residents with no choice but to rely on private healthcare services, which often lack oversight and accountability, as evidenced by this tragic incident. He also called attention to the exorbitant costs associated with private healthcare in Pulwama, further burdening the already struggling population.

“The lack of transparency, the high cost of medical care, and the limited options available to patients are issues that need to be addressed urgently,” Parra said. “It is the responsibility of the government to ensure that affordable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare services are available to all citizens, without discrimination or negligence.” Parra urged the government to take immediate action and conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged medical negligence that led to Saboora’s untimely death. He stressed that the inquiry must be impartial, and the facts must be brought before the public to ensure justice for the victim and her family. He called for the constitution of an expert committee to probe the matter comprehensively and independently. Parra assured the family of Saboora and the people of Pulwama that the PDP will continue to press for a transparent and just investigation, and will not rest until those responsible for this tragedy are held accountable.

KR Desk