Lapses not desirable, action if negligence found: Tripura Health Secretary on death in IGM's maternity ward
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, May 31, 2026
A day after the death of an expectant mother at Indira Gandhi Memorial (IGM) Hospital triggered allegations of medical negligence, Tripura Health Secretary Kiran Gitte visited the state-run facility on Saturday to assess healthcare services and review the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Health Secretary, accompanied by senior officials including the hospital administration, held discussions with doctors and department heads and sought a detailed report on the matter.
Describing the incident as unfortunate, Gitte said the government had responded promptly and would not hesitate to take action if any negligence or procedural lapses were established.
“The report has already been submitted and is under examination. If any shortcomings are found during the inquiry, appropriate action will follow. Considerable efforts have been made to strengthen healthcare services in the state and such lapses are unacceptable,” he told reporters after the inspection.
The woman, who was admitted to the maternity ward, reportedly died in the early hours of Friday. Family members alleged that a delay in conducting a cesarean section contributed to her death. According to them, the patient's condition deteriorated while she remained under observation and repeated appeals for immediate surgical intervention went unanswered.
Relatives claimed that the absence of a senior doctor delayed the procedure, leading to a tragic outcome. Following the death, tensions flared inside the hospital premises, with agitated family members confronting hospital staff. Police personnel later intervened to restore order.
Addressing broader healthcare concerns, the Health Secretary stressed the need for stronger coordination among departments and continuous improvements in patient care.
He said discussions during the review meeting focused on infrastructure upgrades, manpower requirements and the possibility of introducing postgraduate medical courses in additional disciplines at the hospital. He also highlighted the growing patient load at IGM, particularly in the paediatric department, which recorded more than 53,000 outpatient visits during the previous year.
Gitte assured that the government would continue strengthening the institution with necessary equipment, facilities and human resources to enhance healthcare delivery, in line with the vision of the state government.
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