SRINAGAR: The Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) has launched an inquiry following a tragic incident in the remote Chontiwari area of Machil, Kupwara district, where a woman delivered her baby on the roadside due to alleged delays in snow clearance.
Shaheena Begum, wife of Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, was reportedly forced to give birth on the roadside, assisted by local women, as the road leading to the hospital was impassable. Locals criticised the administration for failing to deploy snow-clearing machinery in time, leaving the woman stranded.
“Had the road been cleared earlier, she could have delivered in a hospital with proper medical care,” lamented Abdul Gaffar, a local resident. Videos shared on social media highlighted the frustration of the community, with one resident decrying, “Is there anyone listening? We are being left at God’s mercy.”
The snow clearance operation had not commenced by 10 AM, with no machinery pre-deployed, according to locals. After delivering the baby, the woman was taken to a nearby Primary Health Centre (PHC) for medical care.
Health officials stated that the woman had been relocated to Kupwara before her due date for better medical supervision but had returned to her village without permission. They cited delays in communication from the family and slippery road conditions as reasons for the ambulance’s failure to reach her in time. Both mother and child are reported to be in good condition and are under medical observation.
Taking serious note of the incident, the DHSK has constituted an inquiry committee to investigate the emergency response failure. The committee includes Dr Jehanzaib Tanki, Deputy Director (Dentistry), as Chairman; Dr Yasmeen Kangoo, Assistant Director; Dr Arjumand Bashir, District Nodal Officer; and Aijaz Hussain Bhat.
The inquiry team has been directed to submit its findings within two days. The Chief Medical Officer of Kupwara and other healthcare personnel involved in the incident have been instructed to appear before the committee today at 2 PM.
The DHSK order emphasised the importance of a thorough investigation, saying, “The inquiry committee shall conduct an in-depth inquiry into the incident and submit its report with specific recommendations within two days positively, enabling appropriate action against the persons found involved as per law.”
The incident has triggered widespread outrage, with residents demanding accountability from the authorities. Locals have called for improved snow clearance measures and enhanced healthcare infrastructure in remote areas to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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