Srinagar: A grieving family from south Kashmir’s Kokernag has accused paramedical staff at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag of medical negligence, claiming it led to the death of their two-year-old daughter, Pakeeza Shakeel.
According to her uncle, Malik Basharat, the child, a resident of Adal village, was admitted to the Pediatric Section of GMC Anantnag on August 4 after she developed an intestinal infection. He said doctors had advised the paramedical staff to administer a test dose of the Cefixime before giving the full dosage.
“We pleaded repeatedly with the staff to follow the doctor’s advice, but they ignored us,” Basharat alleged. “Pakeeza developed a severe reaction. When her condition worsened, they referred her to JVC Bemina, but no paramedical staff accompanied us in the ambulance.”
He further claimed that during the journey, the oxygen pipe came loose near Pampore and was reattached with difficulty by the ambulance driver. “Doctors at JVC Bemina tried their best to save her, but she passed away during the night of August 4–5,” he said, blaming GMC Anantnag for her death and alleging that the “arrogance of the paramedical staff is beyond limits.”
The family said they were too shocked to raise the matter immediately after the incident. However, when the KNT contacted GMC Anantnag Principal Dr Arshid regarding the allegations, he said a committee has already been constituted to investigate the matter and determine responsibility.
The official probe is expected to examine the treatment process, staff conduct, and adherence to medical protocols.
Notably, at Government Medical College Anantnag, patients and their attendants have been voicing serious concerns over what they describe as rampant mismanagement and an unprofessional attitude among certain paramedical staff. (KNT)
