Jammu: The tragic death of an 11-year-old girl following a laparoscopic surgery for a liver cyst at Government Medical College (GMC), Doda has sparked widespread outrage and accusations of medical negligence, with Doda MLA Mehraj Malik describing the incident as a “deliberate killing.”
According to hospital authorities, the surgery was performed successfully and without complications. However, the patient reportedly developed acute renal shutdown shortly after the procedure and was referred to Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Srinagar for advanced care. Tragically, the child died en route in an Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest.
Hospital’s Statement: Surgery Successful, Death Due to Postoperative Complication
Speaking to ETV Bharat, Dr. Rakesh Bahl, Principal of GMC Doda, said:
“The surgery was conducted under general anaesthesia with full informed high-risk consent from the father. The giant cyst was successfully removed, and the intraoperative period remained uneventful.”
Dr. Bahl added that when the patient developed acute renal issues postoperatively, the surgical and anaesthesia teams coordinated with SKIMS experts and collectively decided to transfer her for intensive nephrology management. However, she suffered cardiac arrest during the transfer, and resuscitation attempts failed.
He also assured full cooperation in any official inquiry into the matter.
MLA Levels Serious Allegations
Doda MLA Mehraj Malik reacted strongly to the incident, calling it a case of “deliberate killing.” In a post on social media, Malik wrote:
“Doctors at GMC Doda deliberately killed another girl. A surgery for a liver cyst was performed today, and she died during surgery. She was then referred to Srinagar after being killed. Now let’s see what happens.”
His comments have further intensified demands for an independent probe and accountability for alleged negligence.
Public Outrage and Call for Investigation
The incident has triggered massive anger among locals and rights groups, who are demanding an immediate investigation, transparency in the case, and clarification on why the patient’s condition deteriorated so rapidly post-surgery.
Broader Context: Medical Negligence Under Scrutiny
This case adds to a growing list of reported medical negligence incidents in government-run hospitals. Similar concerns were recently raised in other parts of the country, where postoperative deaths and lack of timely intervention have led to serious public backlash and legal consequences.
What Lies Ahead
While the hospital maintains that standard protocols were followed, the grief-stricken family, backed by political voices, is demanding justice. The Jammu and Kashmir Health Department is expected to launch a probe soon.
