Newborn dies after woman leaves Rajouri hospital during treatment

Rajouri, Sep 8: A newborn baby died following delivery in a private room in Rajouri after a pregnant woman admitted to Government Medical College and Associated Hospital (GMC&AH) Rajouri allegedly left the hospital ward during her treatment, officials said.
The incident has prompted the hospital authorities to order an inquiry, while police have also taken cognizance of the matter.
An official said that the woman was admitted to GMC&AH Rajouri through an ASHA worker and was examined by doctors before being kept under observation. During a subsequent round, however, she was found missing from the ward.
Medical Superintendent GMC&AH Rajouri, Dr Shamim Ahmed Choudhary, told KNO that the hospital later declared the patient “LAMA” (Left Against Medical Advice) after efforts to trace her failed.
He said the woman was not in active labour at the time and was kept under observation. “During the second round, the patient was not found in the ward. We tried to trace her but could not find her and she was declared LAMA. We thought she might return, as she was not having active labour pain,” Dr Choudhary said.
The woman returned to the hospital the following evening in a serious condition with severe bleeding, he said. “She was actively managed by the doctors and shifted to the ICU. Her condition is presently stable and she is under observation,” the Medical Superintendent said.
Meanwhile, the newborn died following delivery in a private room. The circumstances surrounding the delivery, including how the woman left the hospital, who accompanied her and where the delivery took place, are being investigated.
Dr Choudhary said the hospital administration had constituted an inquiry committee to establish the facts. “The matter is under investigation. Police have already taken cognizance of the issue. Whoever is found involved will face action,” he said.
He added that a hospital employee whose name surfaced during the preliminary proceedings had been suspended pending the inquiry.
“A committee has been constituted and an inquiry has been ordered. The committee will submit its report within two days. After that, the facts will be placed before the authorities and whatever action is required will be taken,” Dr Choudhary said.
He said district health authorities would also examine the circumstances under which the woman was taken to the private facility, including whether the clinic was registered and authorised to provide such services. “The district health authorities will look into where she was operated, whether the clinic is registered or not, and under what circumstances the entire incident took place,” he said.
Dr Choudhary said the incident would be thoroughly investigated and necessary measures would be taken to strengthen hospital management. “Steps will be taken for effective management in the hospital so that patients do not suffer,” he said. (KNO)