Srinagar, Mar 26: The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir has ordered an inquiry into the alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 patient from Srinagar who was tested positive two days back and died on Thursday morning at CD hospital Srinagar.
The Divisional Commissioner has asked additional commissioner Kashmir Tasaduq Hussain Mir to enquire into the matter.
An order issued by the Divisional Commissioner reveals that there was alleged negligence on part of authorities at SKIMS Bemina and the administration has asked hospital’s Medical Superintendent and its HOD Chest Medicine to explain their position
“Principal SKIMS Medical College-Hospital Bemina vide his communication No. SKIMS-MC-PS/2020/39g dated: 25-03-2020 has submitted a report indicating therein that a 65-year-old patient…who reported to Casualty of SKIMS Medical College Hospital Bemina on 21-03-2020 at 08. 30 AM alongwith his travel history was found to be a COVID-19 suspect, ” reads the order.
The SKIMS Bemina report, as per the order, reveals that the patient who was later tested positive for COVID-19 had not been handled as per the protocol required for treating such patients.
“The report further reveals that knowing the travel history of the patient and observing the symptoms of the patient, the Hospital Administration has not brought it into the notice of Divisional/District/Police authorities when he left the hospital without getting admitted, ” reads the order.
The patient, it says, was given ample time to spread the virus by intermingling with the public and relatives. “The negligence at the hands of Hospital Administration has resulted in a lot of confusion and vulnerability amongst masses.”
“…Medical Superintendent SKIMS Bemina and Head of the Department, Chest Medicine SKIMS Bemina are hereby called to explain their position forthwith,” the order states.
It adds thay Tassaduq Hussain Mir Additional Commissioner Kashmir shall enquire into the matter for exemplary action against these officers under rules.
The divisional commissioner has sought the sought the enquiry report within two days. He has also directed the Hospital Administration to assist the enquiry officer in the culmination of the enquiry.
Meanwhile, a statement from one of the family members of the deceased shows how the patient was made to run around for days.
The Kashmir Monitor is reproducing the statement verbatim after removing details that could have identified the patient or the family member:
It is quite unfortunate that we are being victimised for hiding the travel history which is an absolutely baseless allegation.
Let me be very clear that the deceased did not have any international travel history.
On March 18, I had a discussion on phone with a senior specialist about the patient. I duly informed him about the domestic travel history of the patient. The doctor advised medication and isolation although I was of the opinion to screen the patient in view of his travel but was refused.
So I kept the patient in home quarantine. As his conditions was not improving, the family took him to SKIMS Bemina on March 21 and again revealed to the doctors the entire travel history. On the basis of travel history and symptoms, the patient was referred to SKIMS Soura for COVID-19 screening. So we took him to the Covid clinic where we again revealed the travel history in detail and the resident doctor discussed the case with the seniors who advised home quarantine and medication although I requested them to screen the patient for COVID-19 but was refused in view of no international travel (as were the guidelines at that point in time).
I also met a senior doctor at SKIMS Soura, and requested him to screen the patient but was again refused because the patient did not have any international travel history, however the doctor offered us admission or management at home in view of the corona problem in the hospital. So I took a decision to manage the patient at home. The next morning (Mar 22) the patient’s condition had deteriorated. So I again called the senior specialist at SKIMS that morning and he advised me to take the patient to SKIMS Bemina saying “we are busy with corona drill”.
I was absolutely helpless so I took him to SMHS hospital where again I revealed the entire travel history. There the doctors suspected COVID-19 and the resident had a discussion with his senior consultant about the symptoms and travel history which is all documented. They eventually referred the patient to Chest Diseases Hospital (Dalgate).
I am very thankful to CD Hospital where the patient was urgently admitted and kept in isolation and screened for COVID-19 on the same day.
He was most pious person in our family.
Today morning, he passed away leaving the family devastated in this helpless situation.
It is my humble request to all to pray for the departed soul !!!
GOD SAVE US ALL FROM THIS DEADLY VIRUS!!!
Discover more from The Kashmir Monitor
Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.
we have audio circulating in the social media hiding of travel from victim now going through this publishing different story now
It was differently circulated on the audio which had gone viral on social media, and now it is entirely a different story,,
May Allah almighty rest his soul in peace, and at the same time give his family the strength and courage to bear this irreparable losss,
If the deceased was in isolation as per his family members then how did he came in contact with so many people (48) who are in quarantine at present…. may he rest in peace but the family role is questionable…..