Woman’s death in hospital sparks protest

Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Mar 11: The death of a woman at Pulwama district hospital, the second in past three days, sparked off massive protests with locals alleging negligence on part of doctors.
A pregnant woman, Khursheeda Akhter, 30, wife of Ghulam Rasool Bhat of Lehjoora, Pulwama was brought to the district hospital by her relatives last evening.
Khursheeda gave birth to a baby girl after being operated upon by a team of doctors at around 2:30 a.m. However, at around 3: 30 a.m. the woman died and her relatives allege negligence at the hands of the doctors.
Soon after the news about the death of the woman spread in the area this morning, hundreds of people gathered outside the hospital to protest against the death. They pelted stones at the hospital.
The protesters alleged negligence on part of doctors leading to the death of the woman and demanded that there should be an independent enquiry.
A magisterial probe has been ordered into the death of the woman. The DC has recommended transfer of the doctors from the hospital who are allegedly responsible for medical negligence.
The relatives alleged negligence by doctors and demanded that an FIR be registered against the erring doctors. On being assured by the DC, the protesters dispersed.
The Medical Superintendent of the District Hospital, said that all efforts were made by the doctors to save her life but she could not survive and died due to drop in blood pressure and subsequently cardiac arrest. There was no negligence on the part of the doctors attending the patient, he said.
The staff who were on night duty in the hospital including two doctors Dr Tasleema, Dr Tahira  and a staff nurse Tahria Rasool have been attached. The order has been issued pending inquiry into the incident.
Another woman, Ruksana Akhter, 22, wife of Imtiyaz Bhat of Wahibugh, Pulwama died in the district hospital Pulwama after doctors operated upon her following pregnancy complications three days ago.