Kashmir’s First Covid-19 death brings doctors negligence to fore

Srinagar, March 26 (GNS): An elderly, who unfortunately become first casualty of novel coronavirus in Kashmir Valley, had reported to Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Medical College Hospital Bemina as well as SKIMS Soura four days before he was actually admitted to CD Hospital, documents in possession of Global News Service (GNS) revealed.
The Patient Registration Card (SKIMS Soura No: 1688142) of the 65-year-old, a resident of Hyderpora who originally hails from Sopore, mentions his travel history: “traveled to Andaman Islands on February 15 and returned to Srinagar. Srinagar to Delhi (March 5), Delhi To UP (March 8), UP to Jammu (March 16).”
The doctors had advised him quarantine, maintaining hygiene and avoid social gathering. However, the questions that are being raised now is why the sexagenarian was not moved to quarantine when doctors suspected him to be a strong suspected case of coronavirus and allowed him to move. Prior to visiting SKIMS Soura, Kashmir’s tertiary care hospital, the elderly had visited SKIMS Bemina and mentioned entire details including travel history and the people he met during the travel.
The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P K Pole on Wednesday (March 25) ordered an inquiry into possible negligence by concerned at SKIMS Bemina, underling it has led a “lot of confusion and vulnerability amongst masses.” However, the inquiry order does not encompass SKIMS Soura where the elderly had visited on the same day with patient registration card showing that he had visited the better-equipped hospital around 12 noon on March 21.
The inquiry order, a copy of which lies with GNS, states that Principal SKIMS Medical College, Hospital Bemina, vide his communication (No. SKIMS-MC-PS/2020/399) on 25-03-2020 had submitted a report, indicating therein that the 65-year-old reported to Casualty of SKIMS Medical College Hospital Bemina on March 21 at 08:30 AM alongwith his travel history and that he was found to be a “COVI019 suspect”.
The report also revealed that the patient who was later tested positive for COV1D-19 has not been handled as per the protocol required for treating such patients.
Despite knowing the travel history of the patient and observing his symptoms, the Hospital Administration did not bring it into the notice of Divisional, District and Police authorities when he left the hospital without getting admitted, it noted.
“The patient has been given ample time to spread the virus by intermingling with the public and relatives,” the Divisional Commissioner noted, adding, “Negligence at the hands of Hospital Administration has resulted in a lot of confusion and vulnerability amongst masses.”
Taking all aspects into the consideration, the divisional commissioner Kashmir has asked Medical Superintendent SKIMS Bemina and Head of the Department, Chest Medicine SKIMS Bemina, “to explain their position forthwith.”
“In the meanwhile, Tassaduq Hussain Mir (KAS), Additional Commissioner Kashmir shall enquire into the matter for exemplary action against these officers under rules,” the order states.
The inquiry officer has been asked to submit the report within two days positively. “Besides, Hospital Administration shall assist the enquiry officer in culmination of the enquiry,” the order adds. (GNS)