Family Alleges Doctors Sent Pregnant Woman Home Despite Labour Signs; CMO Forms Five-Member Inquiry Committee, Seeks Report Within Two Days
Bandipora, Jun 20: A woman allegedly delivered her baby on a roadside in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district shortly after being discharged from the District Hospital, triggering outrage and prompting health authorities to order an inquiry into the incident.
According to details available with news agency, the woman, a resident of Chechinar area of Aloosa, had been admitted to District Hospital Bandipora on June 17 after reaching her expected date of delivery. Family members said she remained under observation in the labour room throughout the night.
The family alleged that doctors initially planned to refer her to a hospital in Srinagar for further management. However, after they expressed their inability to arrange transportation and meet associated expenses, they requested that the delivery be managed at District Hospital Bandipora.
According to a written complaint submitted by her husband, the woman was kept under observation and later discharged from the hospital on June 18 at around 4 pm. The family claimed that doctors informed them labour had not started and advised them to return home, stating that delivery was expected after nearly two weeks.
However, while returning home, the woman reportedly developed severe labour pains and delivered the baby on the roadside near Aloosa within a short time of leaving the hospital.
The sudden delivery led to panic among family members and passersby, who rushed to assist the mother and newborn before further medical help could be arranged.
The incident has sparked criticism from local residents, who questioned how a woman kept under observation in a labour room could be discharged only to give birth shortly afterwards outside a healthcare facility.
Locals also expressed concern over maternal healthcare services in the district, alleging that similar incidents in the past point towards shortcomings in patient assessment and obstetric care.
The family has sought a thorough investigation into the incident and action against those responsible, if any negligence is established.
Taking cognisance of the matter, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Bandipora has constituted a five-member inquiry committee to examine the circumstances that led to the roadside delivery.
According to an official order, the committee has been directed to conduct a detailed inquiry and submit a factual report within two days. The committee comprises senior health officials and medical specialists from the district.
The Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Bandipora has also been directed to ensure the availability of all concerned doctors and officials before the inquiry panel during the investigation process.
