Bandipora, Jun 19 (KNO): Serious questions have been raised over the functioning of maternal healthcare services in Bandipora after a pregnant woman allegedly delivered her baby on a roadside just minutes after being discharged from the district hospital.
The woman, identified as Hafeeza Begum, a resident of Chechinar area of Aloosa in north Kashmir's Bandipora, was admitted to the hospital on June 17 following the expected date of delivery (EDD) recorded in her medical file. According to her family, she remained under observation in the hospital's labour room for the entire night.
Family members alleged that doctors initially decided to refer her to a hospital in Srinagar for further management. However, considering the family's financial constraints and difficulties in arranging transportation, they approached the hospital administration and requested that the delivery be managed at District Hospital Bandipora itself.
According to a written complaint submitted by Hafeeza Begum's husband, the patient was subsequently taken back and kept under observation. After spending the night at the hospital, she was discharged on June 18 at around 4 pm.
The family claims that the attending doctors informed them that labour had not yet started and advised them to return home, stating that the delivery was still expected after approximately two weeks.
However, while travelling back home, Hafeeza Begum reportedly began experiencing severe labour pains. Within a short span of time, she delivered a baby on the roadside near Aloosa, barely minutes after leaving the hospital.
The unexpected delivery created panic among family members and passersby, who rushed to assist the mother and newborn.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage among residents, who have questioned how a woman who spent the night under observation in a labour room could be discharged only to give birth shortly thereafter outside a medical facility.
Many locals described the incident as another example of the challenges facing maternal healthcare services in the district. Residents recalled a recent case in which another woman delivered her baby inside an ambulance, alleging that such incidents point towards persistent shortcomings in patient assessment and obstetric care.
"This is not merely an isolated incident; it raises serious concerns about the quality of medical evaluation and monitoring of pregnant women. Every expectant mother deserves safe and dignified childbirth under proper medical supervision," Owais Ahmad, a local resident, told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
The family has requested a thorough inquiry into the matter and appropriate action against those found responsible.
Taking cognisance of the incident, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Bandipora, has constituted a five-member inquiry committee to examine the circumstances leading to the roadside delivery.
According to an official order issued by the CMO, the committee has been tasked with conducting a detailed investigation and submitting a factual report within two days.
The committee comprises Dr Nisar Ahmad Ganie (Chairman), Dr Tahera Nazir (District Health Officer Bandipora), Dr Manzoor Ahmad (Consultant Surgeon, CHC Sumbal), Dr Shabnum Ara (Consultant Gynaecologist, Block Hajan) and Junaid Ahmad (Head Assistant).
The order directs the Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Bandipora to ensure that all concerned doctors and officials remain available before the committee during the course of the inquiry—(KNO)