Pulwama, Jul 22 (KNO): In the wake of mounting public anger over the alleged medical negligence leading to the death of a Pulwama resident, Director of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), Dr Jehangir Bakshi, along with a high-level team, visited District Hospital Pulwama on Tuesday to assess the situation and investigate the matter.
Speaking to reporters, Dr Bakshi, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said the DHSK team is thoroughly inquiring into the circumstances surrounding the death of Farooq Jamal Rather, a resident of Shith Parrypora in Lassipora area, and other similar cases reported from the hospital in recent days. "Only after the investigation is complete will we be able to ascertain whether medical negligence occurred. If anyone is found guilty, strict action under the law will follow," he said.
The Director further added that the administration is working on upgrading infrastructure and filling the vacant posts of doctors and paramedical staff to improve the functioning of the hospital.
It is pertinent to mention here that Farooq Jamal Rather, who was suffering from severe abdominal pain, was admitted to District Hospital Pulwama but later died at SMHS Hospital Srinagar after his condition worsened.
According to his family, the initial treatment at Pulwama Hospital was “inadequate,” and they alleged that the injections administered there triggered a severe reaction. They also claimed that the ambulance was delayed by over half an hour, compounding the emergency.
The tragic incident sparked protests, with agitated locals gathering outside the hospital demanding a thorough and impartial probe.
Medical Superintendent of DH Pulwama, Dr Abdul Gani, has refuted the allegations of negligence. “The patient was properly examined in OPD and was administered prescribed injections in the casualty ward. He collapsed soon after, but our staff revived and stabilised him before referring him to Srinagar,” Dr Gani said. He denied any delay in ambulance availability or shortcomings in the referral process—(KNO)