Woman delivers baby on her way to hospital; family furious

Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 10: Due to the alleged callous approach of the doctors at District Hospital Handwara, a woman today delivered a baby inside an ambulance while she was on her way to Baramulla.
Rubeena Begum wife of Hafeez Ahmad Malik from Kalaroos, Kupwara after developing labour pain was taken to a nearby PHC in her area, wherefrom she was referred to the District Hospital Handwara.
Upon reaching District Hospital Handwara, the family said, the doctors were callous and did not consider the sensitivity of the situation.
“The doctors at DH Handwara first showed non-seriousness towards patient but after some time they in hurry; superficially treated the patient and used indecent language by saying you can’t understand as you people are Gujjars,” Hafeez Ahmad, husband of the woman said.
He said that the doctors at the District Hospital Handwara then again referred his wife in a critical condition to Baramulla. “I managed an ambulance and headed Baramulla,” he said.
He added that on way she delivered a baby with the assistance of a technician who was with them from DH Handwara.
Hafeez is thanking his stars that he managed to get the ambulance on time. “…if there would have been more delay, my wife and the newborn would have died,” he said.
The Civil Society of Handwara has expressed anger over the incident and demanded exemplary action against people involved in the dereliction of duties.
The Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Handwara, Dr Nisar Ahmad has assured that he will look into the matter and those found guilty will be punished.