Inquiry launched into Pulwama woman’s death after allegations of negligence

Pulwama, Aug 12: Authorities have initiated a formal investigation into the death of a woman from Pulwama, who allegedly died due to medical negligence at the District Hospital Pulwama.
The deceased, Rafeeqa Banoo, was admitted to the hospital for surgery after suffering a leg fracture.
The inquiry, ordered by the Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Pulwama, Dr. Abdul Gani Dar, follows accusations by the woman’s family, who claim that her death was caused by an overdose of anaesthesia administered by the hospital staff.
Mohammad Aslam Dar, who identified himself as the son of the deceased, said that his mother was in stable condition before being taken into the operation theatre.
“She was fine until she was moved into the operation theatre. Her condition worsened after she was given anaesthesia,” Dar alleged.
He claimed that his mother passed away before the surgical procedure could even begin, and he has called for an investigation into the matter along with legal action against the responsible doctors.
The MS of DH Pulwama Dr. Abdul Gani Dar said that Rafeeqa Banoo, a resident of Washbugh locality in Pulwama, had been admitted to the hospital five days earlier with a fractured leg.
He said that on the day of the surgery, after anaesthesia was administered, Banoo initially appeared stable.
However, her condition suddenly deteriorated as the surgical team attempted to position her on the operation table, he said.
He added that despite the medical staff’s efforts to stabilise her, Banoo’s condition continued to decline rapidly, prompting an urgent referral to SMHS Hospital in Srinagar.
“Unfortunately, she was pronounced dead in the hospital, despite the efforts of the doctors there to revive her.”
Dr. Dar mentioned that preliminary reports suggest Banoo may have suffered from fat embolism, a rare but serious condition in which fat particles block blood vessels, potentially causing her sudden decline.
He assured that a thorough investigation has been launched to ascertain the exact cause of death.
Dr. Dar also emphasised that if any medical personnel are found guilty of negligence, they will be subject to legal action.