KD NEW SERVICE
SRINAGAR, Jul 18: A resident of the Dalgate area in Srinagar, Gulzar Ahmad, died at Paras Hospital, sparking allegations of severe medical negligence from his family and relatives.
Gulzar Ahmad, a laborer, was taken to Paras Hospital for treatment of a heart condition after doctors assured his family that the procedure had a 98 percent survival rate. Initially, the surgery seemed successful, but later, doctors informed the family that Ahmad’s condition had worsened, necessitating an additional procedure costing Rs 3 lakh.
The family claimed they sold their ornaments and belongings to raise the required funds, only to be told later that Ahmad had passed away. “If we had known the full risks, we would have sought treatment outside Kashmir,” said the distraught family.
They are now demanding a thorough investigation and the return of approximately Rs 6 lakh, which they claim was taken by the hospital.
“We are speaking out because this happened to us today, but it could happen to anyone tomorrow,” the family said.
Paras Hospital authorities stated they had informed the family about the high-risk nature of the surgery. “Mr. Gulzar Ahmed Sheikh, 46, who was brought to Paras Hospital on July 16 in a critical condition, passed away today due to cardiac arrest,” said a hospital official.
The hospital explained that Ahmad underwent bypass surgery after clinical evaluations and that his family was kept informed throughout. Despite their best efforts, Ahmad’s condition deteriorated, and he succumbed to cardiac arrest. The hospital extended its deepest sympathies to the bereaved family.
In response to the incident, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Srinagar requested the Principal of GMC Srinagar to send a cardiologist to Paras Hospital to conduct a detailed inquiry into Ahmad’s death.
The CMO’s communique, obtained by Kashmir Despatch, reads, “Following the death of a patient in the cardiology department at Paras Hospital Sonwar, it is requested that one cardiologist be deputed tomorrow at 10:00 am to facilitate a detailed inquiry regarding the patient’s death.”
