DHSK orders probe into pregnant woman’s death in Gurez

Srinagar, Oct 16: The Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) has constituted a four-member committee to investigate the death of a pregnant woman from Gurez in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, with the panel asked to determine whether medical negligence was involved.
Haseena Begum, wife of Showkat Ahmad Lone and a resident of Mazgund village in Tulail, died on October 14, according to an order issued by the Directorate on Thursday.
The committee, headed by Deputy Director Schemes Dr Saba Wani, has been directed to submit its report within five days of the issuance of the order and specifically examine whether the death was attributable to medical negligence.
The panel also includes Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Bandipora Dr Mukhtar Ahmad Malla, consultant gynaecologist at Gousia Hospital Srinagar Dr Rohana Ali, and Medical Officer Dr Musadiq Ahmad Khan, who is also a nodal officer with the Directorate.
As already reported by KNO on Wednesday, Begum was shifted to District Hospital Bandipora that morning after developing complications during pregnancy. Her baby was stillborn.
She was initially taken to a primary health centre in Sheikhpora late on Tuesday evening, but no medical staff was available there, the report said.
She was subsequently taken to Sub-District Hospital Gurez, where doctors advised that she be shifted to Bandipora for further treatment due to low blood levels, according to the report.
The inquiry is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death and establish whether any lapse in medical care occurred. The Directorate will decide on further action after receiving the committee’s findings. (KNO)