Two-Year-Old Girl Dies, Family Alleges Negligence; Probe Underway

SRINAGAR: A Kokarnag family has accused the Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag of medical negligence, alleging that the actions of its paramedical staff led to the death of their two-year-old daughter, Pakeeza Shakeel. The hospital administration has since ordered a probe into the incident.

According to the girl’s uncle, Malik Basharat, the child, a resident of Adal village, was admitted to the paediatric section of GMC Anantnag on August 4 after developing an intestinal infection. He claimed that doctors had directed the paramedical staff to first administer a test dose of Cefixime before giving the full dosage, but the instructions were allegedly ignored.

“We pleaded repeatedly with the staff to follow the doctor’s advice, but they refused to listen,” Basharat said, adding that the child suffered a severe reaction. As her condition deteriorated, she was referred to JVC Bemina. However, no paramedical staff accompanied the family in the ambulance, he claimed.

Basharat further alleged that the oxygen pipe in the ambulance detached near Pampore and had to be reattached by the driver. “Doctors at JVC Bemina tried their best, but she died during the night of August 4 and 5,” he said, blaming GMC Anantnag for what he called “avoidable negligence” and the “arrogance of the paramedical staff”.

The family said they were too traumatised to raise the issue immediately after her death.  GMC Anantnag Medical Superintendent Dr Arshid confirmed that a committee had been formed to investigate the incident and ascertain accountability.

The inquiry will look into the treatment protocol, conduct of the staff, and adherence to medical guidelines, officials said.

The development comes amid ongoing complaints from patients and their attendants at GMC Anantnag, who have repeatedly alleged mismanagement and unprofessional behaviour by sections of the hospital’s paramedical staff. (KNT)