Government Medical College (GMC), Kathua has issued a clarification regarding a viral social media video wherein a pregnant woman has alleged denial of treatment by the hospital, stating that the claims are factually incorrect and misleading.
The patient reported to the Emergency Department of GMC Kathua at around 3:30 PM on 15.01.2026 and was immediately examined by the doctor on duty. She was advised to do an ultrasound examination and other investigations which revealed oligohydramnios (reduced amniotic fluid). In view of the clinical findings, the patient was admitted and advised observation and inpatient management, including intravenous hydration.
The patient was examined by the gynaecologist and was clearly counselled regarding her condition and the need for continued hospitalisation with close maternal and fetal monitoring. Despite repeated medical advice, the patient left the hospital at around 9:30 PM on 15.01.2026. She later returned to the hospital at around 2:45 PM on 16.01.2026, which is duly recorded in hospital records.
It is clarified that the patient was not discharged by the hospital. She left voluntarily on her own insistence, carrying the hospital file, for reasons unrelated to denial of treatment. After interacting with the media, the patient was again examined and advised investigations; however, she once again left the hospital without informing the staff during evening rounds.
The allegation regarding delivery in a toilet is false and baseless. No such incident has occurred in the labour room or anywhere within GMC Kathua.
GMC Kathua is a major referral institution conducting around 100–120 deliveries per week and catering to patients from Bani, Basohli, Billawar, Hiranagar, Nagri Parole and adjoining areas. While occasional bed constraints arise due to heavy patient load, the hospital has never compromised on patient care or safety.
The patient was examined, counselled and advised inpatient care purely in the interest of maternal and fetal safety. Her decision to leave the hospital was voluntary and against medical advice and not due to any denial of care.
The GMC Kathua administration reaffirms its commitment to providing ethical, evidence-based and patient-centric healthcare services and appeals to the public to refrain from circulating unverified information on social media.