Probe ordered into first COVID-19 death in J&K

Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir P.K. Pole has ordered an inquiry into the alleged mishandling of the patient who tested positive for coronavirus and died on Thursday morning at CD hospital in Srinagar.

The order issued by Pole said the patient was mishandled by the authorities at CD hospital and SKIMS Bemina.

He asked Additional Commissioner Kashmir Tasaduq Hussain Mir to enquire into the matter.

"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 21-0302020 at 08. 30 AM alongwith his travel history was found to be a COVID-19 suspect, " reads the order.

The order says the report revealed that the patient who was later tested positive for COVID-19 had not been handled as per the protocol required for treating such patients.

"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."

The order says that the patient has been given ample time to spread the virus by intermingling with the public and relatives.

"The negligence at the hands of Hospital Administration has resulted in a lot of confusion and vulnerability amongst masses. In view of the above, Medical Superintendent SKIMS Bemina and Head of the Department, Chest Medicine SKIMS Bemina are hereby called to explain their position forthwith, "the order reads. IANS