Five-member panel established to investigate cause, circumstances of maternal death
HAJIN: Amid public outrage over the death of a woman after childbirth at the Community Health Centre (CHC) Hajin in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, authorities have constituted a five-member committee to investigate the incident and identify any lapses.
The Block Medical Officer (BMO) Hajin has formed a committee comprising medical professionals to probe the cause and circumstances leading to the death of a 35-year-old woman on Friday, a day after she successfully delivered a healthy baby boy.
According to an order issued by the BMO Hajin’s office, officials found responsible for medical negligence will face disciplinary action. “In view of the maternal death that occurred on February 14, 2025, at CHC Hajin, it is imperative to conduct a thorough inquiry to assess the circumstances leading to the unfortunate incident and identify any lapses in patient management,” the order states.
The BMO Hajin has been appointed as the chairperson of the committee, which includes Consultant Anesthesia CHC Sumbal Shaheen Chalkoo, Medical Officer CHC Hajin Dr. Nisar Ahmad, In-Charge Labour Room Nasreena Kounsar, and BM&EO Hajin Mohammad Yaqoob Ganaie as its members.
The committee has been tasked with conducting a detailed case analysis, including the deceased patient’s medical history, antenatal care received, and any complications noted during pregnancy. It will also examine the treatment protocol followed during admission, delivery, and post-operative care. Additionally, the committee will assess the role of duty doctors, nursing staff, and support staff in managing the case.
The inquiry will focus on identifying any medical negligence, procedural lapses, or delays in providing emergency care. The committee has also been directed to review hospital records, staff duty rosters, and patient monitoring sheets to evaluate adherence to standard protocols and recommend corrective measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The committee has been given 48 hours to submit its detailed report to the Block Medical Officer, CHC Hajin. If negligence or misconduct is established, appropriate disciplinary action will be recommended as per norms, the order states.
Shameema Begum, 35, a resident of Markundal Sumbal, lost her life on Friday, a day after delivering a healthy baby boy. The family has alleged medical negligence by the hospital staff, claiming that the doctor’s negligence caused her death.
Speaking to Kashmir Reader, BMO Hajin said, “We are awaiting the inquiry report, and appropriate action will be taken accordingly. The media should refrain from commenting on negligence while the investigation is still underway.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora personally visited CHC Hajin and assured a thorough probe into the matter.
Senior leader Imtiyaz Parray, JDU District President Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, President of Civil Society Mir Bashir Ahmad, and Sonawari Citizens Council Chairman Nazir Ahmad Reshi, along with social activists, have demanded an independent inquiry into the woman’s death.