Inquiry ordered
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 13: The death of an infant at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, has sparked allegations of medical negligence, with the grieving parents accusing doctors and nursing staff of “indifference” and “failure” to provide timely care.
The parents, who took to social media to highlight the issue, said the incident occurred on the night of October 17-18.
Their son, Ahmed, developed fever, vomiting, and flu-like symptoms on Friday night.
After “failing” to find a paediatrician available in the morning, the parents visited Noora Hospital, where they alleged the consulting doctor did not physically examine the baby and prescribed medicines without checking basic vitals.
Later that night, as the child’s condition worsened, the family rushed to the SKIMS Emergency ward.
The parents alleged that the on-duty doctor and nurse were “inattentive” and that the nurse pricked the baby several times while attempting to collect blood samples before administering IV fluids.
They claimed the doctor fell asleep in the emergency room and ignored repeated requests to check on the child, “who remained restless.”
When the baby’s lips began turning blue, the parents said they pleaded with the doctor to intervene.
“The oxygen monitor showed a reading of 64, but the doctor allegedly dismissed it as a machine error,” they said.
As per parents, by the time a senior doctor arrived and the child was shifted to the NICU, his oxygen level had dropped severely.
“The baby was declared dead around 10:15 am on October 18.”
“I took my son out of the NICU with utmost silence, as there were other kids, and we didn’t break any of the hospital’s rules. However, until this day, we are still waiting for justice,” one of the parents said.
Following the allegations, and in reply to mounting pressure, the SKIMS administration today confirmed that it has already constituted a committee to investigate the incident.
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