Doctors at AGMC and GBP Hospital successfully operated on a newborn girl with a congenital tracheo-oesophageal fistula. After 12 days of intensive care, the baby recovered and resumed breastfeeding, with treatment provided free under the JSSK scheme.
A team of doctors at Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and Govind Ballabh Pant (GBP) Hospital has successfully operated on a newborn girl suffering from a rare congenital defect affecting her food pipe and windpipe. The infant, who was admitted in critical condition, has recovered following surgery and 12 days of specialised neonatal care.
The entire treatment was provided free of cost under the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), a government healthcare initiative designed to ensure that newborns and mothers receive essential medical services without financial burden.
According to hospital information, the newborn was referred from a private clinic and admitted to AGMC and GBP Hospital around midnight on October 5, 2026. She belongs to a family from Gabtali under the P.R. Bari police station area of South Tripura.
The infant had experienced difficulties swallowing milk since birth. She also developed excessive frothing from her mouth and progressively worsening breathing problems, prompting the referral for specialised medical attention.
Following her admission, the baby was placed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) under the Department of Paediatrics. Dr. Sribas Das, Associate Professor and unit in-charge, supervised her initial treatment and stabilisation.
Clinical examinations and a chest X-ray raised suspicion of a tracheo-oesophageal fistula, a congenital condition in which an abnormal connection develops between the trachea, or windpipe, and the oesophagus, or food pipe. This defect can cause serious feeding and respiratory complications in newborns and requires prompt medical intervention.
After identifying the suspected condition, doctors prepared the infant for surgery.
On October 7, the hospital’s medical team performed a right-sided thoracotomy to repair the tracheo-oesophageal fistula. The procedure involved accessing the affected area through the right side of the chest to correct the abnormal connection.
Consultant Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon Dr. Kanak Narayan Bhattacharya led the operation. Cardiac anaesthesiologists Dr. Rimjhim Chakma and Dr. Manimoy Debbarma also participated in the surgical procedure.
The operation was successful, marking a crucial step in treating the congenital abnormality responsible for the newborn’s feeding difficulties and breathing complications.
Following surgery, the infant remained in the NICU for intensive monitoring, specialised treatment and gradual nutritional support. Doctors initially introduced tube feeding to help stabilise her condition while monitoring her recovery.
According to the hospital’s account, the medical team removed the feeding tube seven days after the operation and subsequently started normal breastfeeding.
The newborn remained under specialised neonatal care for 12 days before being shifted to the neonatal ward. Her condition improved significantly during the recovery period, and she was reported to be healthy and stable.
The baby has since reunited with her mother and resumed direct breastfeeding. Hospital authorities said she was expected to be discharged soon, subject to the treating team’s assessment.
The treatment was provided entirely free under the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram. The scheme supports eligible maternal and newborn healthcare services, helping families access essential treatment without out-of-pocket expenditure for covered services.
The successful treatment highlights the importance of early diagnosis, specialised neonatal facilities and coordination among paediatricians, surgeons and anaesthesia specialists in managing complex congenital conditions.
For the family, the newborn’s recovery represents a significant relief after an emergency admission and major surgery during the first days of her life.
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The case also highlights the role of AGMC and GBP Hospital in providing advanced medical care to patients from Tripura, including those referred from other healthcare facilities for specialised treatment. The coordinated efforts of the medical team helped the infant progress from critical illness to recovery and breastfeeding.
The successful outcome underscores the importance of accessible public healthcare services and government-supported treatment programmes in ensuring that newborns receive timely medical attention regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
