4-MEMBER PANEL TO PROBE INFANT’S WRONGFUL DEATH DECLARATION

JAMMU: The directorate of health services on Tuesday constituted a four-member panel to probe a complaint against the Banihal Community Health Centre where a newborn was allegedly wrongly declared dead just after her birth, officials said.

The incident sparked protests in Banihal area of Ramban where the newborn was declared dead and was being taken for burial when the family found her alive in the ambulance.

Headed by Sanjay Turkey, assistant director (schemes), DHS Jammu, the committee has been asked to submit its report within two days, they said. “Assistant director (schemes) Sanjay Turkey has been asked to submit its report within two days,” said a health official.

The incident sparked protests inside the Banihal Community Health Centre by the relatives of the girl against the medical staff, prompting the block medical officer to suspend two employees posted at the labour room, and order a probe in the matter.

Director health services, Jammu, Saleem-ur-Rehman took the incident seriously and constituted a four-member committee and asked them to submit its report in the matter within two days.

The officials said that the committee members are on their way to Banihal hospital to probe the matter and fix responsibility.

The baby was admitted in the government-run super specialty G B Pant children hospital in Srinagar Monday, after being referred from the Banihal hospital.

The baby belonged to Basharat Ahmad Gujjar and Shameema Begum, who had a normal delivery Monday morning at the sub-district hospital.

The couple hails from Bankoot village, 3 kms from Banihal town.