Agartala:
The Tripura government has announced an investigation following the tragic death of a 23-year-old woman at the state-run Govind Ballabh Pant (GBP) Hospital in Agartala. The woman, Puja Das, who was admitted with a stomach ache on Friday, passed away the same night. Her family has alleged that no specialist doctor from the surgical department attended to her despite multiple requests throughout the day.
Government Action and Investigations
Health Secretary Kiran Dinkarrao Gitte confirmed on Saturday that the government would investigate the allegations of negligence. He assured that strict action would be taken if the claims proved to be true.
Introduction of Biometric Attendance for Hospital Staff
To ensure accountability, Gitte also announced that starting from April, all doctors and staff at GBP Hospital would be required to mark their attendance through biometric systems. Salaries of the hospital staff will be paid based on their biometric attendance records, he confirmed during a press briefing at the Agartala Press Club.
Concern Expressed by BJP Leaders
The absence of senior doctors at the hospital was also highlighted by Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma and MLA Ranjit Debbarma—both from the ruling BJP’s ally TIPRA Motha—during their visit to the referral hospital. The leaders expressed their frustration over the lack of senior medical professionals present.
Response from Health Secretary
In response to the allegations, Health Secretary Kiran Gitte clarified that while senior doctors were not present, “juniors” who had attained seniority were on duty during the visit.
Hospital Development Plans
Gitte further discussed ongoing development plans for the GBP Hospital, including the establishment of a new ward dedicated to stroke patients and the implementation of telemedicine services. Additionally, he revealed that a proposal worth Rs 13 crore for setting up a cath lab had been approved, while a proposal for procuring medical equipment worth Rs 56 crore had been sent to the Centre for approval.
