Srinagar: In a shocking incident of alleged medical apathy, a pregnant woman on Tuesday delivered a baby in the compound of a government hospital in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district prompting district authorities to order a probe after a massive public outrage.
On Tuesday morning, a pregnant woman from Anderkoot village of the district was brought to the Community Health Centre (CHC) Sumbal by her family after she complained of labour pains, eyewitnesses told Kashmir Observer. However, the doctors there allegedly refused her admission over Covid-19 test.
Around noon, witnesses said, the woman gave birth to a baby outside the hospital building after the locals formed a human chain and spread a huge shit to help the woman deliver the baby.
“Since 8am, we pleaded before the doctors to admit her. They didn’t pay any heed to our repeated requests. They remained adamant on coronavirus test,” an attendant said.
She alleged that the woman delivered in open amidst stones and bricks after denied treatment by the doctors.
“The pregnant woman’s mother wrapped the newborn in her cloak and went to the doctor’s chamber to plead before her. Later, the mother and baby were given admission,” she said.
“Denying treatment to expecting mothers is grave injustice. Such incidents are shameful, to say the least,” she added.
The incident triggered massive outrage and evoked sharp condemnation from the locals and other patients and their attendants. The mounting public pressure prompted the district authorities to order a probe.
In an order issued today, the Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Zahoor Ahmad Mir, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sumbal has been appointed as enquiry officer to probe the alleged medical negligence.
“Sub Divisional Magistrate, Sumbal shall enquire into the incident of delivery of a pregnant lady outside the premises of CHC Sumbal and alleged medical negligence. He shall submit a detailed report in 3 days positively along with concrete recommendations,” the order reads.
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