7-member panel to probe reported patient deaths at Srinagar Hospital

Srinagar: A seven-member committee has been constituted to investigate the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths of two patients at Moj Gobur (Medlyn) Hospital in Chanapora, with the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Srinagar, directing the panel to determine whether any negligence, lapse, or delay in treatment contributed to the outcomes.

The inquiry follows an incident reported a few days ago in which a woman, who had been admitted to the hospital for a hysteroscopy, was subsequently shifted to SMHS Hospital, where she died.

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However, officials said that only one patient has died, while the second patient is alive and undergoing treatment in serious condition. The circumstances and reason for the second patient's admission are not known.

Meanwhile, the CMO's order refers to both patients as having died and directs the committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the two cases. The inquiry committee, headed by District Health Officer Srinagar Dr Rubina Maqbool, has been tasked with examining the complete medical records of both patients, including treatment notes, operative details and laboratory investigations, to establish the sequence of events and ascertain the circumstances surrounding the two outcomes, Daily Excelsior reported.

According to the CMO's order, the committee will specifically assess whether standard treatment protocols and post-operative monitoring procedures were followed. It will also examine the adequacy and availability of ICU and emergency support facilities at the hospital at the relevant time.

The committee has also been directed to determine whether there was any delay, negligence, omission or other lapse in the diagnosis, treatment or emergency management of either patient.

If any lapses are established, the committee has been authorised to fix responsibility and recommend appropriate action against those found accountable. It has also been asked to suggest corrective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The seven-member panel includes a gynaecologist, surgeon and anaesthetist from Gousia Hospital, Srinagar, along with officials from the Clinical Establishment Section, the CMO's office and the PC&PNDT Wing.

Speaking to the Daily Excelsior, officials said the administration of Moj Gobur (Medlyn) Hospital, Chanapora, has been cooperating with the inquiry committee during the proceedings.

The inquiry comes against the backdrop of an earlier case in Srinagar in which a woman died following a hysteroscopy at a private IVF centre. The circumstances surrounding that death are also under investigation.

The CMO has directed the committee to submit its detailed report, along with its findings and recommendations, within five days of the issuance of the order.

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