Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 24: An infant was found dead in the womb at District Hospital Ganderbal last night, with the family alleging medical negligence and delay in treatment, while hospital authorities have ordered an inquiry.
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The woman, a resident of Gutlibagh in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, had been admitted to the hospital two days earlier after her pregnancy had crossed the due date.
According to the family, the delivery had been scheduled for April 20 but was delayed.
The family alleged that despite repeated requests to either conduct timely surgery or refer the patient to the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, doctors continued to assure them that both the mother and baby were stable.
“We kept asking them to perform surgery or refer her, but they said everything was normal and that the delivery would be done by morning,” a family member said.
Beena Begum, a relative, said the patient had complained that the baby was not moving, but doctors allegedly dismissed the concern.
“From around 4 pm, we repeatedly told them to take action. Even when a doctor examined her, we were told the baby was fine,” she said.
The family said it was only after a change of shift that doctors decided to carry out an emergency surgery.
“Just 15 minutes before the operation, we were again told the baby was fine. Suddenly, she was taken for surgery, and later we were informed that the baby had died,” another relative alleged.
They said the baby was declared dead around 10 pm and blamed the delay in medical intervention for the outcome.
The deceased infant was the family’s first male child after three daughters, relatives said.
The family has demanded a thorough investigation and strict action against those found responsible, urging higher authorities to intervene.
Meanwhile, Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Ganderbal, Dr Farah Shafi, said an internal audit committee has been constituted to probe the incident.
“The team has been asked to submit its report within two days. Further action will be taken based on the findings,” she said, adding that such audits are conducted in cases of adverse outcomes.
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