THRC seeks reports from Health department on two recent deaths in hospital

The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has sought reports from the Director of Health Services on two separate incidents that occurred in state-run hospitals recently. 

The Commission took suo moto cognisance of the death of a patient at GBP Hospital and that of a pregnant woman at IGM Hospital.

In an order passed by the commission headed by Justice Arindam Lodh, the THRC took note of a news report published in a local daily on June 1 regarding the death of a patient at the Govind Ballabh Pant (GBP) Hospital in Agartala.

According to the report, the patient was allegedly found lying in a toilet of the medicine ward for a considerable period on May 31. The report claimed that no doctor or nurse attended to the patient despite his condition. Family members later recovered him from the toilet, but he had died by then.

The commission observed that the allegation, if true, indicated a violation of the patient's human rights and warranted examination.

“Before taking cognisance, the commission considers it appropriate to obtain a report from the Director of Health Services, Government of Tripura, as to the incident,” the order said.

The THRC directed that a copy of the news report and the order be sent to the Director of Health Services and asked him to submit a report within 15 days. The matter has been listed for hearing on July 3.

In a separate order, the commission took note of reports published in several newspapers on May 30 concerning the death of a pregnant woman at Indira Gandhi Memorial (IGM) Hospital.

The reports alleged that the woman died due to the absence of medical officers at the hospital and that her family had accused the authorities of negligence.

Referring to the reports, the commission said the allegations pointed to the condition of medical services at the hospital and raised concerns regarding possible violation of the patient's human rights.

The commission said it considered it necessary to obtain a report from the Director of Health Services before proceeding further in the matter.

It directed that copies of the relevant newspaper reports and the order be forwarded to the Director of Health Services and sought a report within 15 days.

The matter has also been fixed for hearing on July 03.