Tragic Death of Pregnant Woman and Infant in Jammu and Kashmir Sparks Investigation
A pregnant woman and her infant died in Gurez, prompting an investigation into the involved doctor amid claims of delayed medical care.
Gurez, Bandipora, October 15 (Daily Kiran) : In Gurez, a border area in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district, a pregnant woman and her infant have tragically died, leading to a recommendation for action against a doctor. Officials announced the preliminary findings of the investigation on Thursday.
Indu Kanwal, the Deputy Commissioner of Bandipora, revealed that the case involves the death of Haseen Begum, the wife of Shaukat Hameed Lone, and their newborn. The proposal for action against the doctor has been forwarded to the Director of Health Services.
Speaking to the media, Kanwal expressed the administration’s deep sorrow over the incident. Reports from the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) have been submitted for necessary action.
The case involved a high-risk pregnancy, as the woman had a low-lying placenta and a hemoglobin level of just five. Medical information indicated that by the time she was brought in for treatment, the infant had already died in utero. Kanwal also mentioned a dispute between the woman and the attending doctors.
Heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions around the Razdan Pass complicated efforts to transport the patient. The Chief Minister‘s office and a report from a senior citizen have been submitted to the Health Services Director, highlighting the need for action at that level.
To prepare for the upcoming winter, the administration is ensuring that high-risk pregnant women receive timely medical care. In terms of compensation for the grieving family, the Deputy Commissioner stated that no financial aid could replace the loss of a mother and child. Nonetheless, assistance has been provided through the Red Cross.
In response to the deaths, markets in the main town of Dawar were shut down on Wednesday, and residents protested, alleging that the severe snowfall delayed the transfer of the critically ill woman to the Bandipora District Hospital.
Haseen Begum, a resident of Majgund village in Tulail, was initially taken to the local health center before being referred to the Gurez sub-district hospital. Given her serious condition and low hemoglobin levels, doctors recommended transferring her for further treatment to Bandipora.
During winter months, heavy snowfall poses significant challenges for providing healthcare to severely ill patients in the border areas of Bandipora, Kupwara, and Baramulla districts.
