The THRC has ordered an independent inquiry into the death of a pregnant woman at IGM Hospital, citing possible medical negligence, human rights concerns, and unanswered questions over emergency treatment, referral procedures, and healthcare accountability in Tripura.
he Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has ordered an independent investigation into the death of a pregnant woman at Indira Gandhi Memorial (IGM) Hospital, expressing serious concern over possible medical negligence and potential violations of human rights. The Commission has directed its Investigation Wing to conduct a detailed inquiry and submit its findings within one month.
The Commission’s intervention follows reports published in local newspapers on May 30 alleging that the pregnant woman died after a Medical Officer was reportedly unavailable at the hospital during a medical emergency. The incident triggered widespread public concern over the quality of emergency healthcare services and maternal care at one of the state’s premier government hospitals.
Taking suo motu cognizance of the reports, the THRC sought an explanation from the Director of Health Services. However, the Commission expressed dissatisfaction with the response after learning that, instead of constituting an independent fact-finding committee, the Director submitted reports prepared by doctors attached to the same Obstetrics and Gynaecology department where the incident occurred.
According to official records, the deceased, identified as Bibha Debnath (33), a resident of Amtali, was admitted to IGM Hospital on May 28 after complaining of abdominal pain and urinary retention. Medical examinations reportedly indicated the need for an emergency caesarean section, with doctors warning of serious risks including uterine rupture and possible stillbirth if the surgery was delayed.
Hospital authorities stated that the patient and her husband declined to provide consent for the emergency procedure and instead opted for a “wait and watch” approach. The hospital further claimed that the patient remained under continuous observation throughout the night.
However, in the early hours of May 29, Bibha Debnath was reportedly found unconscious. Despite immediate resuscitation efforts by the attending medical team, she could not be revived and was declared dead at around 6 a.m.
The hospital also informed the Commission that following the woman’s death, nearly 100 people assembled outside the labour room, allegedly creating a disturbance, threatening doctors and nursing staff, and forcibly taking away medical documents. Authorities stated that although police later recovered some of the records, they were reportedly taken away again from nursing personnel during the unrest.
Despite these explanations, the THRC observed that several crucial questions remained unanswered. The Commission noted that the reports failed to explain why the patient was not referred to a higher medical centre if the required treatment could not be effectively carried out at IGM Hospital. It also questioned why no alternative course of treatment or emergency intervention was considered after the reported refusal of surgery.
The Commission observed that these unanswered issues raise serious doubts regarding the conduct of the treating medical officers and the standard of care provided to the patient. It further remarked that relying solely on reports prepared by doctors from the same department involved in the treatment does not satisfy the requirement for an impartial examination of the incident.
Considering the gravity of the allegations and the importance of ensuring accountability in public healthcare, the THRC has directed its Investigation Wing to undertake an independent inquiry into all aspects of the case. The investigation will examine whether there was any medical negligence, procedural lapse, or violation of the patient’s human rights during her treatment at IGM Hospital.
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The Investigation Wing has been instructed to submit its report within one month. Based on the findings, the Tripura Human Rights Commission will conduct further hearings to determine whether negligence occurred and whether any action should be recommended against those found responsible. The outcome of the inquiry is expected to play a significant role in strengthening accountability and improving maternal healthcare services in the state.
