Pregnant Woman’s Death Sparks 9-Hour Protest at GMC Rajouri, Doctors Accused

J&K (The Uttam Hindu): A pregnant woman’s death at Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri led to a 9-hour protest by her family, accusing doctors of performing a cesarean operation after her death. The protest ended only after the principal assured an investigation and formed an inquiry committee.

The deceased, Kirana Devi, wife of Yashpal Singh from Mandergala Swadi, was admitted to GMC on February 18 due to labor pains. Her family alleged that doctors conducted an ultrasound but withheld critical information, only saying that the baby was breathing and a normal delivery would take place. Later, they were informed that a cesarean was necessary, but the surgeon was in Jammu, and the procedure would happen upon his arrival. Unfortunately, both the mother and child passed away before the operation.

The distraught family started protesting around 3 AM on Wednesday night, continuing until 1 PM on Thursday. DDC member Budhal Shazia Kosar also reached the hospital, demanding a fair investigation and action against the doctors.

To address the growing tension, GMC Principal Dr. AS Bhatia formed an inquiry committee led by Medical Superintendent Dr. Shamim Ahmed, with department heads from Gynecology, Surgery, Anesthesia, and Forensic Medicine as members. The committee will submit its report within a week.

Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Rajouri, Rajkumar Thapa, also intervened, assuring a magisterial inquiry. He stated that if negligence by doctors or medical staff is found, strict action will follow. After these assurances, the family took the body home and ended the protest.