Baramulla, Sep 14: The family of a two-year-old boy from Pehlipora village of Baramulla district has alleged medical negligence in the treatment of their child, who has remained in critical condition for nearly two months after reportedly swallowing a key.

According to the child’s parents, the boy was initially taken to a hospital in Baramulla after swallowing the key and was later referred to SMHS Hospital in Srinagar, where he was admitted to Ward 1.

The parents alleged that the child was subsequently taken to the operation theatre for treatment and brought back unconscious. They said they were informed that anesthesia had been administered and that the child would regain consciousness after its effects subsided.

However, the family said the child did not regain consciousness as expected, prompting them to seek further medical advice.

The parents said they later approached a stomach specialist at Shireen Bagh Super Specialty Hospital, where they were allegedly advised to take the child to a paediatric facility as the case did not fall within the relevant specialty.

The child was subsequently taken to Children’s Hospital, Bemina. According to the parents, doctors there informed them that the child’s food pipe had allegedly been cut or severely damaged during the treatment at SMHS Hospital.

The family alleged that the child has remained in critical condition since then and is currently undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Hospital, Bemina.

The parents said the child’s health has deteriorated significantly during the period, with his weight reportedly falling from around 12 kilograms to approximately six kilograms.

The family has also alleged that when they contacted the woman doctor who had treated their child at SMHS Hospital and questioned her regarding the alleged injury to the food pipe, they were threatened with a harassment case and asked not to contact her again.

The parents have described the incident as a case of serious medical negligence and sought an impartial inquiry to establish whether any lapse occurred during their child’s treatment.

They have appealed to the concerned authorities to examine the matter, determine responsibility if any negligence is established, and ensure appropriate action.

The child continues to remain in critical condition, according to his parents.