J&K: Authorities shut operation theatre, suspend surgeries at Ramzaan Hospital

Srinagar: Following back-to-back reports of medical negligence from Ramzaan hospital in the Gogji Bagh area, the Srinagar officials have sealed the operation theatre, banned surgical procedures in the hospital, and have formed a team to probe the matter.  

According to the Spokesperson of the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), Dr. Mir Mushtaq, after taking note of the allegations of the family members of deceased women who had allegedly died due to medical negligence, they have sealed Operation Theatre and suspended all surgical procedures till the investigation is completed. 

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Dr. Mushtaq said, "The DHSK has constituted a committee, and it has been asked to file a report within a week, and strict action will be taken if allegations are found true." 

The CMO Srinagar has formed a team to investigate the incident and ascertain the allegations of medical negligence reported against the doctors. He told Daily Excelsior, "After the matter came to our notice, the CMO, Srinagar, was directed to take action. As of now, we have sealed the Operation Theatre, apart from blocking the conduct of all the surgical procedures at the hospital." Dr. Mushtaq further added that the committee has been directed to file a report within a week and noted that they would take strict action against those involved if the allegations are found to be true.

The doctor noted that cases involving human loss are serious, and nobody would be allowed to take them for granted. He said, "We would have gone for the sealing of the hospital, but keeping in view the patients admitted there, we only ensured the sealing of the operation theatre, while as the concerned panel probing the matter will file its report within one week." 

He observed that new surgeries would not be allowed till the investigation is completed, however, observed that the patients admitted there would be taken care of.   

Confirming that the operation theatres in the hospital have been sealed, an official associated with the Ramzaan Hospital told the Kashmir Observer that a probe is underway, adding, "Once the probe is completed, all the facts will come to the forth." He noted that the OPD is functioning normally. 

The first case of medical negligence was reported from the hospital on August 25, in which a pregnant woman from the Theed Harwan area of Srinagar allegedly died, but the doctors reportedly attempted to brush away the incident and claimed to have done everything to save her. The family members of the woman protested against the doctors after the incident, but the authorities reportedly did not take any action. 

However, the second case of medical negligence was reported from the same hospital on September 9 where another woman identified as Shafiya from Naik Bagh, Nowgam died due to alleged medical negligence. However, the authorities this time was forced to take action as the protests were huge this time. 

According to the family members of the deceased woman, the woman who was recently married was taken to the Ramzana hospital first time and they attempted to get rid of the case, insisting the family members take her to SMHS or SKIMS. After her condition deteriorated, the doctors at SKIMS, Soura told them that excess anesthesia had damaged her brain. 

Meanwhile, the netizens reportedly appreciated the move after the news went viral on social media. A user wrote on Facebook, "If the doctors are found guilty, strict action must be initiated against them and the hospital should be shut." 

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