Reported by Mrinal Banik
Agartala: A day after an expectant mother lost her life due to alleged medical negligence at IGM Hospital in Agartala, Tripura Health Secretary Kiran Gitte on Saturday paid an inspection visit to the state hospital and reviewed the healthcare services provided there.
The Health Secretary was accompanied by the Director of the Health Department and the Medical Superintendent of the hospital, Nirmal Sarkar.
“An unfortunate incident came to our notice, and we have undertaken prompt action in this regard. The matter came up for discussion during the meeting held here, and I have received an official report on the matter. The report is with me, and if any lapses of any kind are found, action will be initiated for sure. After putting in so much effort for the overall development of the Health Department, lapses are undesirable,” the Health Secretary told media persons after his visit.
According to available information, the expectant mother allegedly died because a cesarean section surgery was not performed at the right time.
The relatives of the patient alleged that her health condition deteriorated rapidly while she was under medical observation in the maternity ward.
The family members urged the on-duty doctors to perform a cesarean delivery as soon as possible, but since no senior doctor was present at the hospital, the surgery could not be performed.
The expectant mother succumbed to extreme pain and physical strain in the early hours of Friday.
Soon after the news of her death spread, a heated altercation broke out between the patient’s relatives and hospital staff. Police from the West Agartala Women Police Station soon rushed to the spot to restore normalcy.
However, on the overall situation, the Health Secretary said there should be proper inter-departmental coordination to offer the best possible healthcare services to patients.
“The doctors and Heads of Departments have spoken at length about the improvements required at the hospital. There are demands for starting PG courses in different streams here. We are considering these issues. The pediatric OPD at IGM also records huge footfalls. Last year, 53,000 OPD visits were recorded in the pediatric department alone. We will make sure that this hospital gets all the equipment, facilities, and manpower it requires for the best results. This is what the Chief Minister has been aspiring for,” said Gitte.