Despite repeated assurances of better healthcare under the so-called "double engine government," a tragic death at Dharmanagar District Hospitalof North District Tripura has once again exposed the glaring deficiencies in Tripura’s public health infrastructure.

On Saturday, Shukla Das, a resident of Lalchara in Dhupirbandh village, died after being admitted with severe abdominal pain—allegedly due to medical negligence. 

Her death sparked widespread anger and protests within the hospital premises.

Family members alleged  that despite repeated requests for urgent medical attention, Das was left unattended for hours. 

Although she was admitted to the surgery ward, the designated surgeon, Dr. Shubendu Bhattacharya, reportedly never examined her in person. Instead, he allegedly provided instructions over the phone as her condition deteriorated.

“I waited for ten long hours, hoping someone would treat my mother,” claimed her son, Amal Das. “No treatment was given. If the doctor had come, maybe she would still be alive. If he didn’t have time, she should have been referred elsewhere.”

The on-duty physician, Dr. Shekhar Sarkar, confirmed he had seen the patient twice but maintained that further action was pending instructions from the surgeon.

The case has raised serious concerns about accountability in emergency medical situations. Health experts and citizens alike have condemned the rigid adherence to medical hierarchy in critical cases, calling it a form of criminal negligence.

Following the incident, several other patients’ relatives joined the family in protest, demanding immediate action. Police arrived at the scene, recovered the body for autopsy, and returned it to the family on Sunday.

Medical professionals and civil society voices have strongly criticized the incident, describing it not as an isolated lapse but as symptomatic of deeper systemic failures in Tripura’s healthcare system. Despite promises of progress through state–centre collaboration, the condition of district hospitals remains dire, marked by administrative indifference and professional apathy.

As of now, the health department has not issued an official statement. However, sources confirm that an internal inquiry is underway.