THRC orders investigation into pregnant woman's death at IGM Hospital

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, July 11, 2026

The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has directed its Investigation Wing to conduct an inquiry into the death of a pregnant woman at IGM Hospital, observing that questions remain over her treatment and the decision not to refer her to a higher medical facility.

The commission, headed by Justice Arindam Lodh, took suo motu cognisance of the incident after media reports alleged medical negligence in the death of 33-year-old Bibha Debnath of Baishnab Tilla in Amtali.

Earlier, the commission had sought a report from the Director of Health Services. However, it noted that the report was based on submissions from doctors of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of IGM Hospital and not on an independent inquiry by the Health Department.

According to the report, the woman was admitted to the hospital on May 28 with abdominal pain and urinary retention. Doctors advised an emergency Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS), but the patient and her husband reportedly declined consent after being informed of the risks and chose to wait. She was monitored overnight but became unconscious in the early hours of May 29 and was declared dead despite resuscitation efforts.

The commission observed that the report largely sought to rule out negligence by the treating doctors but did not satisfactorily explain why the patient was not referred elsewhere if her condition could not be managed at the hospital. Citing these concerns, the THRC ordered a detailed investigation by its Investigation Wing and directed it to submit its report before the next hearing scheduled for August 12, 2026.

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