Enquiry committee formed to investigate alleged negligence in death of pregnant woman at SDH Banihal

Following allegations of negligence leading to the death of a pregnant woman, Afroza Begum, at the Sub-District Hospital (SDH) in Banihal, the District Magistrate of Ramban has formed a five-member committee to conduct a thorough investigation.

The committee, chaired by District Programme Officer Jahangir Hashmi, will include Sub Divisional Magistrate Zaheer Abass Bhat, Chief Medical Officer Dr Kamal Jee Zadoo, Tehsildar Nasir Javeed, and Dr G L Manhas. They have been tasked with submitting a detailed report, along with specific comments and recommendations, within four days.

The order to constitute the committee was issued on January 10, 2024, by Additional District Magistrate Harbans Lal Sharma, in response to a communication from the Sub Divisional Magistrate, Banihal, which raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the death of Afroza Begum.

The committee will examine medical records, interview hospital staff and witnesses, and assess whether any lapses in care contributed to the woman’s death. It will also scrutinize the hospital’s protocols and procedures to identify potential areas for improvement.

The District Magistrate has emphasized the need for a swift and impartial inquiry to ensure that all facts are brought to light and appropriate action is taken if any negligence is found. The findings of the committee are expected to play a crucial role in determining accountability and ensuring measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.