- Says the healthcare system in worst condition
SRINAGAR: People's Democratic Party Youth President and Assembly Candidate from Pulwama Waheed Ur Rehman Parra here on Sunday expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the tragic death of Saboora Arshid, a 22-year-old Master’s student from Pulwama, due to alleged medical negligence at Pulwama Hospital.
Parra said that the young girl’s death, which occurred following minor nose surgery, has left the entire Pulwama in shock and has exposed the alarming state of healthcare in the Pulwama district.
He said that the doctor took Saboora into the operation theatre, but failed to provide updates on her condition for three hours, sparking apprehension. When questioned, the nursing home staff instructed them to rush to a government hospital in Srinagar, where they were devastatingly informed that Saboora had passed away.
He emphasized that the family was left clueless and distraught, alleging that the doctor’s negligence and lack of communication led to Saboora’s tragic demise. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and demands for justice.
Parra criticized the deteriorating conditions of healthcare services in Pulwama District and other facilities within the district. He condemned the poor state of infrastructure, lack of accountability, and widespread negligence, stating that these issues reflect the government's broader failure to prioritize the health and well-being of its citizens.
He asserted that we must urgently fix responsibility and ensure accountability for this loss. Every life is precious, and failures in medical care demand thorough investigation and systemic changes to prevent future tragedies. Let’s demand justice and push for a better healthcare system that values life and compassion, he added.
Parra expressed concern over the prevailing healthcare crisis in Pulwama, calling the situation "disastrous." He pointed out that the Pulwama hospitals and other medical centres- both government and private ones are in deplorable condition, with inadequate facilities, poorly equipped operation theatres, and a general lack of transparency in medical care. This dire situation leaves the residents with no choice but to rely on private healthcare services, which often lack oversight and accountability, as evidenced by this tragic incident.
He also called attention to the exorbitant costs associated with private healthcare in Pulwama, further burdening the already struggling population. "The lack of transparency, the high cost of medical care, and the limited options available to patients are issues that need to be addressed urgently," Parra said. "It is the responsibility of the government to ensure that affordable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare services are available to all citizens, without discrimination or negligence."
Parra urged the government to take immediate action and conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged medical negligence that led to Saboora's untimely death. He stressed that the inquiry must be impartial, and the facts must be brought before the public to ensure justice for the victim and her family. "The alleged negligence on the part of the administration at Pulwama Hospital demands an in-depth probe," he said. "We cannot let this incident pass without accountability. The people deserve to know the truth."
He called for the constitution of an expert committee to probe the matter comprehensively and independently. He emphasized that such incidents expose systemic failures in the healthcare sector and urged the government to focus on improving healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural and underserved areas like Pulwama.
Parra also criticized the government's apathy towards the healthcare sector in Pulwama, accusing it of "step-motherly treatment" towards the district. He added that despite numerous promises made by the authorities to improve healthcare services, little to no progress has been made. "Neglect of this vital sector speaks volumes about the insensitivity and irresponsibility of the government," Parra remarked, calling out the administration for repeatedly failing to meet its obligations.
He also cautioned the government against testing the patience of the people, warning that the public outrage over Saboora's death is a reflection of a growing dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs. "This is yet another broken promise from the government, a hoax that the people of Pulwama will not tolerate any longer," Parra added.
Parra assured the family of Saboora and the people of Pulwama that the PDP will continue to press for a transparent and just investigation, and will not rest until those responsible for this tragedy are held accountable.
Parra emphasized that, "Strengthening regulatory mechanisms, improving medical infrastructure, and making healthcare affordable are essential steps towards building a robust and patient-centric healthcare system. He called on the government to wake up to the healthcare crisis in Kashmir and take meaningful steps to prevent such avoidable tragedies in the future.
Parra offered his heartfelt condolences to Saboora's family, assuring them that justice will be sought, and expressing solidarity with the people of Pulwama in their demand for accountability and improved healthcare services.
