Alleged medical negligence leads to death of newborn
Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Aug 29: A newborn's death at District Hospital Bandipora triggered a protest today, with the family alleging negligence and delay in referral, while the hospital denied the charges and maintained that the baby was stillborn. The infant's...
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Aug 29: A newborn's death at District Hospital Bandipora triggered a protest today, with the family alleging negligence and delay in referral, while the hospital denied the charges and maintained that the baby was stillborn.
The infant's mother, 28-year-old Parveena Ajas, wife of Irfan Ahmad Sheikh of Bandipora, was admitted to the hospital on August 26 at around 10 am for the delivery of her first child.
The family alleged that she remained at the hospital for several hours before being taken to the labour room, questioning why she was not referred to a higher medical centre if complications had been identified.
The infant's father said the family remained at the hospital until around 11 pm and was repeatedly told that there was still time for the delivery.
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He further alleged that the baby continued to move inside the womb during that period.
The woman was later taken to the labour room, where the family was informed that she had delivered a boy. "After some time, we were told that the infant had died," he alleged.
Questioning the handling of the case, the father said the family should have been referred to another medical centre if complications had been noticed.
Following the death three days ago, the infant's relatives gathered at the hospital and staged a protest, demanding an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death and accountability if any lapse was found.
Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Bandipora, Dr Mukhtar, however, rejected the allegations of negligence and said the infant was born dead.
"The infant was born dead and the incident happened on Wednesday. The family has not so far submitted an application so that we could proceed further," he told Excelsior.
Dr Mukhtar said the family had been asked to submit a written application, following which an inquiry panel could be constituted to examine the matter.
The family has sought a detailed investigation into the treatment provided to the mother and baby, the medical decisions taken during the case and the alleged delay in referral.
It has also urged the authorities to establish whether any lapse or delay in treatment, monitoring or referral contributed to the death.
Another relative demanded action and a thorough probe, saying the issue could have wider implications for patients at the hospital.
"If it happened with us, it can happen with anyone. There is a need for proper action and an inquiry into the matter," the relative said.
