Srinagar, Jul 3: Inquiry into the case of death of a woman at the Harkaar IVF Center Tengpora has revealed fresh irregularities, prompting the Health Department to seek an FIR against the accused. Demand has also been made for starting a criminal investigation into the death of the Baramulla woman who lost her life during an IVF procedure at the Center.
Official documents accessed by G K show that the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Srinagar has reported the fresh findings to the Directorate of Health Services (DHSK) after the clinic was temporarily opened on Thursday. The inspection took place under official supervision while the centre was de-sealed temporarily to facilitate the transfer of frozen embryos to another IVF facility. This was decided, as per the department, so that ongoing fertility treatment of patients was not affected and for prevention of loss of money, embroyos, and emotional toll. The fresh findings include an unauthorised ultrasound (USG) machine installed in the recovery room of the clinic. The machine was immediately seized, the report states.
The development comes a day after the Health Department ordered an inquiry into the death of a woman during an IVF procedure at the centre.
An earlier inspection report, a copy of which is available with G K, had noted that the death of the patient warrants a separate criminal investigation.
It had already flagged multiple alleged violations. These include that the IVF centre was functioning from an under-construction building without the necessary permissions and approvals.
Authorities have also written in the report that the proprietor had shifted an ultrasound machine from another location in Karan Nagar to the Tengpora facility without mandatory approval from authorities. Any relocation of a USG equipment is to be approved by the competent authorities under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC&PNDT) Act. In addition, the premises where the ultrasound machine was being used was neither registered nor approved.
The Chief Medical Officer has recommended registration of an FIR against the proprietor "under provisions of the PC&PNDT Act, its Rules, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and other applicable laws".
The frozen embryos, as per the documents, have been shifted to Fertgyn IVF Centre, Hyderpora under the supervision of the CMO and in the presence of the investigating officer to preserve evidence.
The inquiry report into the alleged medical negligence during IVF procedure resulting in death of the woman has not been submitted yet, officials said. The investigation is likely to examine all the circumstances surrounding the patient's death.
The case pertains to the alleged medical negligence at Harkaar IVF Center Tengpora. Family of a Baramulla woman had sought inquiry and action against the Center, alleging that they were lied to by doctors when the patient passed away during an IVF procedure.
