The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has taken cognizance and asked the Health Director to submit an inquiry report within 15 days after a person allegedly died due to negligence and improper medical attention at GB Pant Hospital in Agartala.

On May 23, the THRC stated in a report that they had received information about a person who reportedly died because no operation was conducted on him, leading to his death at GB Pant Hospital.

“It has been published in other newspapers. In the said news item, it was mentioned that one Prasenjit Debnath of Julai Bari in the South District was injured in a motor accident and was in serious condition. Fire Service personnel rescued him and took him to Julai Bari Primary Health Centre. From there, he was immediately referred to Santirbazar District Hospital. When his condition worsened, he was sent to GB Pant Hospital. Last Sunday, Medical Officer Dr. Dhruba Das admitted the patient to the hospital and informed that immediate operation of Prasenjit Debnath was required, and before the operation, his relatives were asked to arrange for blood,” the report said.

It further stated that the relatives of the injured accordingly arranged for blood. The family was informed that Monday was fixed for the operation and the time of operation was scheduled for 9:00 AM.

“But the Medical Officer did not proceed with the operation at the scheduled time. Subsequently, other times were fixed, but until Wednesday, the Medical Officer failed to perform the surgery. Ultimately, on that night, Prasenjit Debnath succumbed to his injuries. As per the version of the younger daughter of the deceased, the Medical Officer attending the patient informed the duty nurse that there was no space in the ICU, and that complications could arise if the operation was done without ICU availability. He stated that the operation would only be performed if a bed in the ICU became available. It is alleged that the entrusted Medical Officer could have made arrangements for the operation, and due to the lack of proper treatment, the patient expired,” the order said.

It emphasized that it is the right of every citizen to receive proper treatment in a hospital.

“Right to life of an individual cannot be curtailed without the procedure established by law. Since there is a serious allegation that a precious life was lost due to negligence and improper medical attention in the hospital, the Commission considers it appropriate to take cognizance of the matter. Issue notice to the Director, Health Services, Govt. of Tripura, to make an inquiry in this regard and report to this Commission within 15 days from the date of receipt of this order. A copy of this order shall also be supplied to the Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department, Govt. of Tripura, for necessary instruction to the Director,” it added.