Woman’s death triggers protest, kin allege medical negligence

Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 13

The death of a 24-year-old woman due to alleged negligence by doctors at Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, on Sunday triggered protest in the Karan Bagh area, with protesters demanding constitution of a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the lapses.

The administration, to pacify the protesters who blocked the busy Miran Sahib-Satwari road for almost three hours by keeping the body in the middle of the road, ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident.

According to family members, the deceased, Kuljeet Kour, had delivered a baby 10 days ago and was admitted to the GMC on Saturday after developing breathing problems.

“She was tested negative for the virus and shifted to Ward No. 7 of the hospital. She had some breathing problem. She was normal until she was administered an injection by doctors that led to the deterioration of her condition and she collapsed within 10 minutes. Thereafter, the doctors declared her Covid positive,” the wailing mother of the victim alleged.

The protesters alleged that the doctors treating the victim fled the hospital and took her medical record with them. “We repeatedly asked the hospital administration for the medical record of the patient, but they did not show us the file,” they said.

After the locals gathered at the hospital, the victim was tested for Covid twice and she tested negative.

“It is a clear case of negligence and the doctors responsible for it should be suspended immediately. A SIT should be constituted for a fair investigation,” the protesters demanded.

Ghan Shyam Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Jammu, visited the protesters and tried to pacify them. Jammu DM Sushma Chauhan said a magisterial inquiry had been ordered in this case. “A three-member panel will complete the inquiry in seven days,” she said.