CMO Orders Probe Into Two Patient Cases at Srinagar’s Medlyn Hospital

SRINAGAR: The Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Srinagar, has ordered a detailed inquiry into two patient cases reported at Moj Gobur (Medlyn) Hospital in Chanapora, directing a seven-member committee to determine whether there was any negligence, treatment delay, procedural lapse or violation of medical protocols. The inquiry follows reports concerning the deaths of patients at the hospital, although officials have pointed to a discrepancy in the reported status of the two cases, stating that one patient has died while the other remains alive and in serious condition. The CMO’s order, however, refers to both patients as having died and has directed the committee to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the cases. According to officials, one patient had reportedly been admitted for a hysteroscopy procedure and was later shifted to SMHS Hospital, where the patient died. Details regarding the second patient’s admission were not immediately available. The inquiry committee, headed by District Health Officer Srinagar Dr Rubina Maqbool, has been tasked with examining the complete medical records of both patients, including treatment notes, operative details and laboratory investigations, to reconstruct the sequence of events. The panel will also examine whether standard treatment protocols and post-operative monitoring procedures were followed and assess the availability and adequacy of ICU and emergency support facilities at the hospital at the relevant time. The committee has further been directed to determine whether any delay, negligence, omission or other lapse occurred during diagnosis, treatment or emergency management. If responsibility is established, the panel will recommend appropriate action against those found accountable and suggest corrective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The committee includes a gynaecologist, surgeon and anaesthetist from Gousia Hospital, Srinagar, along with officials from the Clinical Establishment Section, the CMO’s office and the PC&PNDT Wing. Officials said the management of Medlyn Hospital has been cooperating with the inquiry. The development comes amid an earlier Srinagar case involving the death of a woman following a hysteroscopy at a private IVF centre, which is also under investigation. The committee has been directed to submit its detailed findings and recommendations to the CMO within five days of the issuance of the inquiry order.