A serious incident involving the death of a newborn has triggered both a criminal investigation and departmental action at Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri, after allegations surfaced that a woman admitted to the Government hospital was allegedly encouraged to seek treatment at a private facility.
According to details available, Sushma Devi, wife of Ragveer Singh, aged 22 years and a resident of Mowanakot, Reasi, was admitted to GMC Rajouri by ASHA worker Salima Begum, wife of Kabir Hussain, resident of Rehan, Kotranka.
It has been alleged that while the patient was admitted at GMC Rajouri, FMPHW/staff nurse Sharaz (Shehraz) Nayazi, wife of Mohd Arif and resident of Matiyaan, Thanamandi, along with the ASHA worker, allegedly motivated the patient and her attendants to shift to a private clinic for early delivery.
The patient was subsequently taken to the private facility, where her condition reportedly deteriorated. Tragically, the newborn baby died, while the condition of the mother has also reportedly been described as serious.
Taking cognisance of the matter, Rajouri Police registered FIR No. 465 under Section 106(1) read with Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against the concerned persons. The case was registered by SHO Rajouri Inspector Imran Khan for further investigation into the exact circumstances leading to the death of the newborn, the treatment provided at the private facility and the alleged role of the concerned individuals.
In a parallel departmental development, Sharaz Nayazi, FMPHW, presently posted at the Associated Hospital of GMC Rajouri, from the Directorate of Health Services, Jammu, has been placed under suspension with immediate effect pending an inquiry into her conduct by Principal Dr A S Bhatia.
The Medical Superintendent/ authorities of GMC Rajouri have also initiated a departmental inquiry to ascertain the complete circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the role and responsibility of the persons concerned.
The incident has raised serious concerns among residents regarding patient care, professional conduct and the alleged shifting of patients from Government healthcare institutions to private facilities.