Mahi’s miraculous survival journey celebrated at GB Pant Hospital
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, November 5, 2025
In an inspiring display of medical resilience and human spirit, the paediatric ward of GB Pant Hospital in Agartala turned festive on Monday as doctors, nurses and hospital staff came together to celebrate the birthday of little Mahi Banik — a young girl who has battled life-threatening complications for the past five months.
Mahi, who has been fighting to regain her strength after a prolonged illness, cut her birthday cake from her hospital bed surrounded by the medical team that stood by her through her toughest days. Her journey from being on life support to recovery has been described by doctors as “nothing short of a miracle.”
“She is the first child in the history of GB Pant Hospital’s paediatric ward to survive after being kept on ventilation for two months,” said Dr Sanjib Debbarma, Senior Paediatric Specialist. “When she was first admitted, her condition was extremely critical. Initially, we suspected Acute Encephalitis Syndrome and began treatment with anti-convulsive drugs and injectables. Despite all efforts, her health deteriorated rapidly, and she had to be put on a ventilator.”
Subsequent tests confirmed that Mahi was suffering from Japanese Encephalitis. According to Dr Debbarma, her case also revealed a critical gap in maternal immunisation. “Her mother informed us that she had received only one dose of the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine during pregnancy. We urge all expectant mothers to complete the full vaccination course, as failure to do so can lead to severe complications,” he said.
During her treatment, Mahi also developed tension pneumothorax — a rare but serious side effect of prolonged ventilation. However, timely intervention by the medical team helped stabilise her condition. She has since been shifted from intensive care to the general ward and is now under close observation, receiving physiotherapy to help her stand and walk again.
Her mother, a single parent, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and staff for their relentless efforts and compassion. “We first took her to Dasda hospital when she had a high fever, but her condition worsened. From there, she was referred to Dharmanagar, and before we could reach, she started having convulsions. We rushed her to GB Pant Hospital, where she has been treated for the past five months,” she said. “I cannot thank the doctors enough. They not only saved my daughter but also took care of all the medical expenses. I had no means to bear the cost of such treatment.”
Medical Superintendent Dr Shankar Chakraborty, Deputy MS Dr Kanak Choudhury and other members of the paediatric team joined Mahi’s family in the modest yet emotional birthday celebration. “This case will be remembered in the hospital’s history. It is a testament to both medical excellence and the willpower of a brave child,” said Dr Chakraborty.
As balloons and soft toys adorned the ward, Mahi smiled faintly while cutting her cake — a moment that symbolised hope, endurance and the triumph of life against overwhelming odds.
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