Srinagar, June 19 : Health authorities in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district have ordered an inquiry into the alleged roadside delivery of a woman shortly after she was discharged from a government hospital.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Bandipora has constituted a five-member committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident involving Hafeeza Begum of Chechinar Aloosa. The panel has been asked to submit its findings within two days.
According to officials, the woman had been admitted to District Hospital Bandipora for delivery and kept under observation. She was later discharged after doctors assessed that labour was not imminent.
However, she reportedly went into labour soon after leaving the hospital and delivered her baby on a roadside near Aloosa village, sparking public outrage and allegations of medical negligence.
The inquiry committee, headed by Dr Nisar Ahmad Ganie, has been tasked with conducting a detailed fact-finding probe. The CMO has also directed the Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Bandipora to ensure the presence of the concerned doctors before the panel during the investigation.
The incident has drawn criticism from residents and civil society groups, who have demanded accountability and improvements in maternal healthcare services. Officials said further action, if warranted, will be taken based on the committee’s findings.
