SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Department has constituted a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a patient at SKIMS Medical College Hospital (MCH), Bemina, on April 26, directing it to submit a fact-finding report within 15 days.
According to Government Order No. 585-JK(HME) of 2026 dated July 28, the committee will be headed by the Principal, Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar. The other members are the Head of the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, GMC Srinagar, and the Medical Superintendent of Children’s Hospital, Bemina.
The committee has been tasked with examining all medical records, treatment sheets, monitoring charts, nursing notes, investigation reports, operative notes, consent forms and other relevant documents related to the case.
Under its terms of reference, the panel will assess whether postpartum haemorrhage or any other obstetric emergency was adequately considered and investigated when the patient repeatedly complained of worsening symptoms. It will also examine whether post-delivery monitoring was carried out in accordance with established medical protocols and whether the patient was shifted prematurely from the delivery area.
The inquiry will further determine whether retained placental tissue, trauma during delivery, uterine abnormality or a clotting disorder contributed to the bleeding, and ascertain whether any delay in recognising or diagnosing haemorrhage adversely affected the patient’s outcome.
The committee has also been asked to review the timeliness and adequacy of surgical intervention and subsequent management, examine the role of all doctors, nursing personnel and other staff involved in the patient’s treatment, and fix responsibility for any lapses, negligence, omission, misdiagnosis or deviation from accepted standards of medical practice.
It will recommend corrective measures to prevent similar incidents in future.
The order directs the Principal, SKIMS Medical College Hospital, Bemina, and all concerned officers and officials to provide full cooperation and furnish all required records and documents to the committee.
The inquiry committee has been asked to submit its detailed report, supported by documentary evidence, within 15 days of the issuance of the order.
