Srinagar : Reports of medical negligence in Kashmir have sparked widespread concern, with many families protesting, while others continue to grieve in silence. Several cases have emerged, resulting in inquiries that often yield no significant outcomes, eroding public trust in doctors, the healthcare system, and the pursuit of justice.
Tragic Outcomes from Medical Treatment
In recent years, tragic incidents have raised serious questions about the quality of healthcare in Kashmir. Among the reported cases are a family losing their daughter due to an alleged anaesthesia overdose, a woman undergoing surgery intended for her ear but losing her uterus, a 14-month-old girl suffering brain damage during eye surgery, a woman’s death following ligation, and incidents where doctors allegedly left ‘helpers’ in charge of patients.
The question remains: have such incidents of medical negligence increased, or has the rise of social media made it easier to report them?
Contributing Factors to Medical Negligence
Prof Iqbal Saleem, Head of General Surgery at GMC Srinagar, attributed the rising incidents to multiple factors. He stressed the importance of clear communication between doctors and patients, noting that unrealistic expectations could arise from a lack of transparency about medical procedures. He also criticized what he described as “fake journalism,” which sensationalizes minor incidents and tarnishes the reputation of doctors.
Prof Saleem pointed out that while the public has grown increasingly intolerant and demands 100% success in complex procedures, overcrowding and overburdening of the healthcare system also contributed to errors and complications. Additionally, he mentioned that unethical practices by under-trained medical personnel were a problem in some cases.
Despite the strain on government hospitals, some private healthcare institutions have also faced criticism for prioritizing profit over patient care.
Private Sector Response
Faizan Mir, President of the JKPHDA Kashmir division, defended the private healthcare sector, emphasizing that the grievance redressal process was often biased, with punishment imposed before investigations were concluded. He stated that private healthcare in Kashmir was affordable and more accessible, with consultations from specialists priced lower than a movie ticket. Mir also argued that private hospitals had a lower complication rate compared to the national average, according to NIH data.
Grievance Redressal Mechanism
The J&K Medical Council (JKMC) is the designated body for handling complaints of medical malpractice and negligence in the region. However, the public remains largely unaware of the council’s existence and its grievance registration process.
Dr Shahzada Muhammad Salim Khan, President of JKMC, confirmed that complaints could be lodged via the council’s website or through email. He explained that the Ethics and Grievance Committee investigates complaints following National Medical Council guidelines, ensuring both sides are heard and evidence is gathered for a fair investigation.
Dr Khan acknowledged that many complaints were abandoned due to a lack of follow-up from the complainants but assured that justice would prevail if the cases were pursued. He concluded that while mistakes are inevitable, the process of addressing them defines the integrity of the healthcare system.
Until then, families continue to face the emotional toll of medical negligence, navigating a system often devoid of answers.
