The Tripura Human Rights Commission has ordered an Investigation Wing probe into the death of a pregnant woman at IGM Hospital, citing doubts over medical treatment and the failure to refer the patient for advanced care. The case is scheduled for hearing on August 12, 2026.
The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has directed its Investigation Wing to conduct a detailed inquiry into the death of a pregnant woman at Indira Gandhi Memorial (IGM) Hospital, expressing concern over the treatment provided and the decision not to refer the patient to another medical facility despite her deteriorating condition.
The Commission, headed by Justice Arindam Lodh, took suo motu cognisance of the incident following media reports published on May 30 alleging medical negligence in the death of 33-year-old Bibha Debnath, a resident of Baishnab Tilla in Amtali.
Earlier, the Commission had sought a report from the Director of Health Services regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident. However, after examining the report, the THRC observed that it was primarily based on communications submitted by doctors of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of IGM Hospital rather than the findings of an independent inquiry conducted by the Health Department.
According to the medical report placed before the Commission, Bibha Debnath was admitted to IGM Hospital on May 28 after complaining of severe abdominal pain and urinary retention. The attending doctors advised an emergency Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS), stating that immediate surgical intervention was necessary to safeguard the lives of both the mother and the unborn child.
The report further stated that the patient and her husband allegedly declined consent for the emergency surgery after being informed of the associated medical risks. Instead, they reportedly opted for a “wait and watch” approach. Hospital authorities maintained that the patient remained under continuous observation throughout the night.
However, the patient’s condition reportedly worsened in the early hours of May 29 when she became unconscious. Despite immediate resuscitative efforts by the medical team, she could not be revived and was declared dead at approximately 6 a.m.
While examining the medical report, the Commission observed that the document largely focused on defending the actions of the treating doctors and attempting to establish that there had been no negligence in the management of the case.
At the same time, the THRC noted that the report failed to clearly explain whether the patient’s condition had reached a stage where treatment at IGM Hospital was no longer adequate and whether she should have been referred to a higher medical institution equipped to provide advanced critical care.
In its order, the Commission remarked that if the attending medical officer found it impossible to provide the required treatment at the hospital, there appeared to be no justification for not referring the patient elsewhere. This omission, the Commission observed, raised doubts regarding the course of action adopted by the treating medical officers.
Observing that several important questions remained unanswered, the Commission stated that the available materials warranted an independent investigation into the allegations of medical negligence reported in the media.
Accordingly, the THRC has directed its Investigation Wing to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the matter, examine all relevant records and evidence, and submit a detailed investigation report before the Commission.
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The case has been listed for further hearing on August 12, 2026, when the Investigation Wing is expected to place its findings before the Commission. The outcome of the inquiry is expected to determine whether there were lapses in medical care or procedural shortcomings in the handling of the case and whether any further action is warranted.
