BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 30th May 2025: In a compelling testament to medical dedication and expertise, doctors at Indira Gandhi Memorial (IGM) Hospital have successfully saved the life of 35-year-old Bikas Debbarma, a resident of Shikaribari in Khowai’s Champahaor, who was battling a severe case of tetanus.
Bikas was initially admitted to GBP Hospital in Agartala on May 12 in a critical state—unable to walk, speak, or even lift his head. Upon examination, doctors discovered that he had recently undergone a leg amputation but had not received a tetanus vaccine afterward. Instead, he had been taking over-the-counter medicines from a local shop.
With his condition deteriorating and symptoms pointing to tetanus, GBP Hospital promptly referred him to IGM Hospital on May 15. He was admitted under the care of Dr. Debesh Debbarma in the CDC department, where he presented with classic tetanus symptoms—trismus (lockjaw), opisthotonus (severe muscle spasms causing arching of the back), and respiratory distress.
A team led by Dr. Bibhuranjan Das, with Dr. Nitish Das and Dr. Debipriya Saha from the Medicine Department, swiftly intervened. Following standard medical protocol for severe tetanus, Bikas was kept in a dark, quiet room to minimize external stimulation and facilitate recovery.
Tetanus, caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, is a potentially fatal disease marked by painful muscle stiffness and spasms that typically start in the jaw and progress throughout the body. Timely medical attention is crucial for survival. Thanks to the relentless efforts of postgraduate trainee doctors, nursing staff, and the hospital’s physiotherapy team, Bikas began showing signs of improvement within 48 hours. With intensive physiotherapy, he gradually regained the ability to walk and speak. After several days of comprehensive care, he was discharged today in stable condition.
Health officials, speaking to reporters, remarked that such tetanus cases are increasingly rare due to extensive immunization programs. However, Bikas’s case is a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by inadequate post-surgical care and the importance of timely vaccination.
