Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) has established a three-member committee to investigate the untimely demise of an 18-year-old BSc Nursing student from the Nursing College affiliated with GMCH. The student, Sheetal Rajkumar, hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, passed away on the night of July 5, 2023. Two of her fellow colleagues, who were also admitted, are currently on the path to recovery.
Dr. Raj Gajbhiye, the Dean of GMCH, has tasked the committee with determining the precise cause of Sheetal’s death. The panel, comprising Nursing College Principal Jyoti Ghaiwat, Head of PSM Department Dr. Subhash Thakre, and Physiology Department Head Dr. Bharshankar, has been given a deadline of three days to submit their report.
According to Jyoti Ghaiwat, it is suspected that the girls fell ill after consuming food outside the college premises. Sheetal experienced discomfort, vomiting, and loose motions. Despite efforts from the college staff to persuade her to seek medical attention, she declined. The following day, her condition worsened, leading to her admission to the ICU, where she tragically passed away on the same night.
Meanwhile, Sheetal’s colleagues, Prabhdeep Kaur and Fatima Ali, who had accompanied her, also displayed symptoms. They were promptly admitted to the ICU and are now recovering well.
Dr. Raj Gajbhiye expressed his condolences and stated that the truth surrounding the incident would be revealed once the forensic report is available.