A 34-year-old pregnant woman died at Indira Gandhi Memorial (IGM) Hospital on Friday morning under alleged circumstances of medical negligence, triggering protests and outrage from her family.

The deceased, identified as Bibha Debnath, a resident of Baishnab Tila area near Amtali Bypass, was admitted to the hospital on Thursday around 11 a.m. for childbirth. She was nine months pregnant at the time. Her husband is Pankaj Debnath.

According to family members, despite repeated requests for urgent medical intervention, the patient did not receive timely care. They alleged that hospital staff informed them that senior doctors were unavailable due to holiday duties and initially proceeded with plans for a normal delivery without adequate supervision.

As the hours passed, Bibha reportedly experienced severe labour pain and her condition worsened significantly during the night. Her relatives claimed they repeatedly requested an emergency Caesarean section, but intern doctors refused, stating that senior medical officers needed to be present before any surgical procedure could be performed.

The family further alleged negligence by nursing staff, claiming that no timely monitoring or assistance was provided despite the patient’s deteriorating condition.

After enduring prolonged labour distress for nearly 18 hours, Bibha was declared dead around 6 a.m. on Friday morning. The newborn also did not survive.

The incident sparked tension inside the hospital as grieving relatives protested against the authorities. Police from the West Women Police Station were called in to control the situation. The body was later sent for post-mortem examination.

Family members and local residents have strongly criticized the hospital administration, accusing it of systemic negligence and lack of emergency preparedness, particularly during holidays and night shifts.

IGM Hospital has previously faced similar allegations regarding patient care and staffing shortages, raising renewed concerns about accountability and healthcare standards in the facility.

Authorities are expected to initiate an inquiry into the incident.