Inquiry ordered after attendant seen giving CPR to patient in absence of doctors at SDH Banihal

Srinagar : The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Ramban on Wednesday ordered an inquiry into an incident which today morning sparked an outrage against the medical workers at the health facility.

An elderly man, helpless, is seen giving Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to his patient at Sub-District Hospital, (SDH) Banihal, while the one capturing video shows around the area including staff room, which are empty.

“Patient is been giving CPR by attendants, no doctor here,” the man capturing the video is heard saying.

The video was shared by JKNC leader from the region, Sajjad Shaheen, saying he was deeply saddened and outraged to see a patient dying at the SDH this morning because no doctor was available at 7:00am.

“His son was left to desperately perform manual chest compressions to save him. This gross negligence is unforgivable and demands immediate action. My heartfelt condolences to his family and relatives,” Shaheen wrote on hi official Facebook handle.

Following this, an order was issued by the office of Chief Medical Officer, Ramban, ordering an inquiry into the incident.

“This office has received video wherein it has been seen that one attendant is performing CPR to the patient in casualty room but no doctor is on duty at that time. To ascertain the facts of this complaint the following committee of officer/official is hereby constituted to conduct the enquiry in the matter in depth and submit the factual report along with definite remarks to this office within two days positively,” reads the CMO order.

As per the order, District Health Officer, Dr Mohammad Iqbal Malik and Medical Officer, Dr. Mohammad Syed have been assigned the task of inquiry.–(GK)