Probe ordered into 'mishandling' of Covid positive patient who died today

Ishfaq Tantry

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, March 26

The authorities in Kashmir have ordered a probe into the alleged mishandling of the Covid positive patient from Hyderpora who died in a hospital today.

The inquiry has been ordered by  Divisional Commissioner Kashmir to know if the protocol was followed in case of  COVID19 patient from Hyderpora who tested positive on Tuesday  and died on Thursday morning at Chest Diseases  Hospital Srinagar.

The order  reveals that the patient was mishandled by the authorities at CD Hospital and SKIMS Bemina.

“Principal SKIMS Medical College-Hospital Bemina vide his communication No. SKIMS-MC-PS/2020/39g dated: 25-03-2020 has submitted a report indicating therein that a 65-year-old patient, resident of Hyderpora Srinagar who reported to Casualty of SKIMS Medical College Hospital Bemina on 21-03-2020 at 08.30 AM alongwith his travel history was found to be a COVID-19 suspect,” reads the order by the Divisional Commissioner.

“The report further reveals that knowing the travel history of the patient and observing the symptoms of the patient, the Hospital Administration has not brought it into the notice of Divisional/District/Police authorities when he left the hospital without getting admitted, ” it further reads, while adding that in the meanwhile, Tassaduq Hussain Mir, Additional Commissioner Kashmir shall enquire into the matter for exemplary action against these officers under rules.

The inquiry report has been sought  within two days.

When contacted, Divisional Commissioner PK Pole refused to further comment on the matter saying he was busy in a meeting.