The surgical safety standards in Jammu and Kashmir’s private healthcare sector have come under scrutiny following the reported deaths of two women after undergoing procedures at a private hospital in Srinagar. The Health Department has constituted a seven-member committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths at Moj Gobur (Medlyn) Hospital in Chanapora.
The committee will examine the patients’ medical records, treatment and operation details, investigations, post-operative care and the availability of emergency and intensive care facilities. It will also look into whether there were any delays, negligence or other lapses in the treatment provided. The panel has been asked to submit its findings within five days.
The cases have also brought renewed attention to allegations involving government doctors working at private hospitals during official duty hours. An earlier investigation under the Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY/SEHAT scheme had reportedly found instances of government doctors engaging in private practice during working hours and referring patients to private facilities.
The Health Department has previously directed government doctors to remain present at their designated hospitals during duty hours and asked hospital authorities to monitor attendance. The latest incident has once again raised questions about how effectively these directions are being implemented and whether patients in private hospitals are receiving adequate supervision and emergency care.
Doctors point out that procedures such as hysteroscopy, hysterectomy and other gynaecological surgeries are commonly performed, but like any surgery, they can carry risks. Complications such as heavy bleeding, infection, anaesthesia-related problems or blood clots can sometimes become serious and require immediate medical intervention.
The incident has consequently sparked a wider debate over surgical safety, post-operative monitoring and emergency preparedness in private hospitals. The findings of the inquiry are expected to establish what exactly happened in the two cases and whether any medical or administrative lapses contributed to the deaths.
