Arunachal forms probe panel after woman's death sparks medical negligence protests

A high-level committee will investigate the death of a woman at TRIHMS hospital following allegations of medical negligence that triggered widespread protests in Arunachal Pradesh on September 8.

Health Minister Biyuram Wahge, along with Secretary Health HP Vivek and Health Minister's Advisor Dr Mohesh Chai, met the deceased woman's family members after demonstrations erupted over the September 2 incident. The family has accused medical staff and doctors of negligence, leading to the patient's death.

The Health Department responded by establishing a four-member investigative committee comprising doctors from various hospitals, including a gynaecologist, and a magistrate. Officials assured the grieving family that justice would be served and those found guilty of negligence would face arrest.

The probe panel has been given a 10-day deadline to determine the exact cause of death and submit its findings.

Meanwhile, the family has filed a police complaint, and a case has been registered. However, they have refused to claim the body from the mortuary at Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), demanding that the postmortem be conducted by medical professionals from a different hospital rather than TRIHMS staff.