Qazigund youth dies after accident; family alleges negligence at GMC Anantnag

Anantnag, Apr 19: A 35-year-old man died at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag after a road accident, with his family alleging medical negligence.

The Health Minister has ordered an inquiry into the incident.

Bilal Ahmad Mir, son of late Abdul Rehman Mir and a resident of Yarhole-Baihama village in Qazigund, was injured in an accident near the Ashajipora area of Anantnag town on Saturday evening.

He was taken to GMC Anantnag for treatment, where he later died.

Family members alleged that Mir did not receive timely medical attention despite his critical condition.

“He was struggling for life, but no immediate response was given. If proper and timely treatment had been provided, he might have survived,” a family member said.

The family further alleged a delay in conducting diagnostic tests.

“The patient reached the hospital around 7 p.m. and was taken to surgical casualty, but there was a delay in conducting investigations like X-ray, USG and other scans. He passed away at around 11 p.m.,” the family member alleged.

The family has sought a fair and transparent investigation and urged authorities to examine hospital functioning and fix accountability.

Medical Superintendent of GMC Anantnag, Dr. Arshad Hassan Siddiqie, said an inquiry would be conducted into the matter.

“Strict action will be taken if any negligence is established,” Siddiqie said.

In a statement, GMC Anantnag denied the allegations, stating that all required protocols were followed.

“All SOPs for treating an RTA (polytrauma) patient were followed, including ATLS protocol. NCCT head, USG FAST and chest X-ray were done, and all were reported normal,” the hospital said.

The hospital said that Senior residents, DNB trainees, Junior residents and interns, particularly in Surgical Casualty-2, were on duty and attended to the patient.

“The patient was cleared by the surgical department after proper screening and was handed over to the orthopaedic department for management of a pelvic fracture,” the statement said.

Jammu and Kashmir Health Minister Sakina Itoo said she ordered the constitution of an inquiry team to investigate the incident.

“We stand firmly with the bereaved family in this hour of grief and share in their profound loss,” Itoo said in a statement. “I have already ordered a thorough investigation into the matter. If any negligence is found, strict and exemplary action will be taken against those found guilty.”

She added that her “heart goes out to the grieving family” and that no words can ease their pain during such a difficult time.