Srinagar, Jun 19: A woman allegedly gave birth on a roadside in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district shortly after being discharged from a government hospital, prompting demands for an inquiry into the incident, officials and family members said on Friday.
Hafeeza Begum, a resident of the Chechinar area of Aloosa, had been admitted to District Hospital Bandipora on June 17 after being given a scheduled date for delivery by doctors, they said.
According to her family, she remained under observation in the labour room overnight. Doctors had initially considered referring her to Srinagar, but the family requested that the delivery be conducted at the district hospital, citing financial constraints, they said.
The following day, Begum was discharged after being informed that her delivery was still about two weeks away, the family alleged.
However, within about 30 minutes of leaving the hospital, she went into labour and delivered her baby on a roadside near Aloosa, they said.
The incident triggered public anger, with residents questioning how a woman who had been kept under observation in the labour room could be discharged shortly before childbirth.
Locals also referred to a recent case in which another woman reportedly delivered a baby in an ambulance, alleging shortcomings in maternal healthcare services in the district.
Residents and civil society members have demanded a high-level inquiry into the latest incident and sought accountability if any negligence is established.
Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Bandipora said the matter would be examined.
“I will look into the matter and ascertain the facts. Appropriate action will be taken if any negligence is found,” the official said.(KNS).
