Agartala, 29th May 2026: A tragic incident of alleged medical negligence at Indira Gandhi Memorial (IGM) Hospital has sparked outrage after a 34-year-old pregnant woman reportedly died without receiving proper treatment early Friday morning.
The deceased, identified as Bibha Debnath, was a resident of Baishnab Tila area near Amtali Bypass. According to family members, Bibha, who was nine months pregnant, was admitted to IGM Hospital around 11 a.m. on Thursday for delivery. Her husband’s name is Pankaj Debnath.
Family members alleged that despite repeated requests for immediate medical attention, the doctors on duty did not provide proper treatment. They claimed hospital staff informed them that senior doctors were unavailable due to Eid holidays and insisted that a normal delivery would be conducted. As the night progressed, Bibha reportedly suffered unbearable labour pain and her physical condition deteriorated. Her family repeatedly requested the doctors to perform a Caesarean section (C-section), fearing complications. However, according to the allegations, intern doctors refused to proceed without the presence of senior doctors.
The family also accused the nursing staff of negligence, claiming that despite several pleas for assistance, no nurse came to check on the patient during the night. After battling severe labour pain for nearly 18 hours, Bibha allegedly died around 6 a.m. on Friday. Her unborn child also could not be saved.
Following the incident, tensions erupted inside the hospital premises as grieving family members protested against the hospital authorities. Hospital staff reportedly informed the police after the situation became heated. Personnel from the West Women Police Station arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control. The body was later sent for post-mortem examination.
Family members and locals have accused the hospital administration, doctors, and healthcare workers of gross negligence. They alleged that senior doctors are often unavailable during holidays and night hours, forcing patients to depend solely on interns and junior staff. Notably, IGM Hospital has faced similar allegations of negligence in the past. Patients and their families have frequently complained about poor treatment, lack of accountability, and misbehavior by medical staff.
The incident has once again raised serious concerns over the healthcare system and the functioning of one of the state’s major government hospitals. Demands for a proper investigation and strict action against those responsible are growing louder.
