Srinagar, Aug 09: Following the protest after the death of a 92-year-old female patient at Government Medical College, Anantnag on Thursday, the GMC has constituted an inquiry committee to probe the matter and issued a detailed clarification regarding the incident.
On Thursday the family of women a resident of Larkipora, Anantnag staged a protest against the hospital staff by accusing them of medical negligence following her death.
The family levelled allegations like improper care and lack of monitoring that caused the untimely death of the patient and demanded action against responsible doctors and staff.
On the other side, the medical college has issued a detailed clarification regarding the incident stating that attendants of the patient assaulted doctors and a security guard.
“At approximately 9:55 am, the hospital’s security personnel were clearing the wards for routine medical rounds. The patient was suffering from Dilated Cardiomyopathy with severe LV systolic dysfunction and was under medical supervision. The security personnel requested that the number of attendants in the ward be minimized,” it said.
However, the attendants of the patient, numbering more than a dozen, reacted aggressively to this request and “they began assaulting the elder security guard on duty”. “A Senior Resident who was present in the ward attempted to intervene and pacify the situation but was also physically manhandled by attendants. Senior consultants rushed to the scene to de-escalate the situation, but they too were not spared,” it said.
The PG students stepped in to protect the senior doctors from further harm. “Unfortunately, amidst this chaotic situation, the patient, who was already in a critical condition, was taken out of the ward by her attendants against medical advice (AMA),” the hospital said.
It said that despite the patient requiring continuous oxygen support, she was removed from the ward without it. “Our Deputy MS and CMOs brought the patient back inside the casualty section but she had already expired due to her prolonged illnesses,” it said.
The GMC Anantnag said the medical staff had no role in the unfortunate outcome. “Instead, they were victims of violence while attempting to calm the situation and ensure the patient’s well-being,” it said
Following the clash, PG students and Senior Residents had temporarily ceased routine work. However, after assurances from the Principal, the strike was called off.
The hospital’s Medical Superintendent has constituted an inquiry committee of doctors to thoroughly investigate the matter and submit a report and recommendations.
“We are committed to ensuring the circumstances leading to this tragic incident are fully examined and appropriate measures are taken,” a spokesperson of GMC Anantnag said.
Principal GMC Anantnag, Prof (Dr) Rukhsana Najeeb said that the patient was sick and doctors tried their best to save the patient however the patient later succumbed. “We will inquire into the matter and if there is any kind of negligence on the part of the hospital or staff, the erring staff would not be spared and we will take action,” she said.
