CMO says preliminary report is ready, final version may take another 2–3 days
Bandipora, September 22: Twenty days after the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Bandipora constituted a five-member committee to inquire into the alleged medical negligence in connection with the death of a newborn at District Hospital Bandipora, the committee is yet to submit its final report.
The committee was constituted by the CMO Bandipora on September 1, 2026, vide Order No. CMOB/Estt/2026-27/1610-14, with directions to examine the circumstances surrounding the newborn’s death and submit its report within two days.
However, despite the stipulated two-day timeframe, the report has not yet been submitted, with 20 days having passed since the constitution of the inquiry committee.
The inquiry was ordered following allegations by the newborn’s family regarding alleged medical negligence and delay in referral to a higher medical centre. The committee was tasked with examining the treatment provided, medical decisions taken during the course of treatment, and the circumstances preceding the newborn’s death, including the alleged delay in referral.
When contacted, CMO Bandipora said the report is yet to be finalised and may take another two to three days.
“The report hasn’t come yet and will take another two to three days. Furthermore, as an official government document, it cannot be released to the public. While we initially estimated a two-day timeframe, coordinating with doctors travelling from afar caused some delays. However, the preliminary report is already prepared, and once the final touches are applied, the final version will be ready in a couple of days,” the CMO said.
The five-member panel comprises Dr Mohammad Asif Khan, Principal, ANMT School Bandipora; Dr Tahera Nazir, District Health Officer, Bandipora; Dr Shabnum, Consultant Gynaecologist, CHC Sumbal; Dr Aijaz Ahmad, Medical Officer (Paediatrician), CHC Hajin; and Muzaffar Ahmad, Senior Assistant in the office of the CMO Bandipora.
The inquiry assumes significance as the family had sought an impartial examination of the treatment provided to the mother and newborn, the medical decisions taken during the course of treatment and the circumstances leading up to the death.
The committee is expected to establish the sequence of events and examine whether there were any lapses in treatment, medical management or referral.
The report is to be submitted to the concerned higher authorities for further consideration.
