Suhail Rather
Bandipora, May 23(KNS): A pregnant woman delivered her baby inside a 108 ambulance just moments after being referred from District Hospital Bandipora to Srinagar, raising serious questions over the handling of the case by doctors on duty.
Kulsooma Begum, wife of Azad Ahmad Dar of Laharwalpora, was brought to the District Hospital Bandipora on Friday after developing pregnancy-related complications. According to family members, despite being in active labour pain and in a critical condition, she was referred to Srinagar for advanced treatment.
However, shockingly, the woman delivered the baby inside the ambulance immediately after stepping out from the main gate of the hospital, while still within the hospital premises.
Relatives strongly questioned the referral decision and alleged negligence by the doctors concerned. They claimed the patient was shifted without proper management despite labour pains already having started.
“We want a fair investigation. How can a woman in such a condition be referred when she delivered within minutes of leaving the hospital?” family members said.
Sources said a Consultant from the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department had allegedly advised the Medical Officer to “manage and refer” the patient without personally examining her.
Following complaints from the family and public outrage, CMO Bandipora visited the hospital to assess the situation and assured that strict action would be taken if any negligence is found.
Meanwhile, the Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Bandipora has sought written explanations from a Consultant OB/Gynae and a Lady Medical Officer regarding the circumstances that led to the delivery during transit.
The doctors have been directed to explain their role, duties performed and the management of the patient within three days, failing which action under relevant service rules may follow.
The incident has sparked concern among the public, with many questioning the functioning and patient care system at the district hospital.(KNS).
