Newborn dies at Sribhumi private hospital, negligence allegations trigger unrest

Tension prevailed in Sribhumi town on December 25 following the death of a newborn, with the family alleging gross medical negligence and wrong treatment at a private hospital. 

The incident occurred at Lifeline Hospital in the Kanishail area, triggering public outrage and prompting the deployment of police and paramilitary personnel at the spot to maintain law and order.

According to the allegations, a six-month pregnant woman from the Bairigram area was admitted to Lifeline Hospital after experiencing excessive bleeding. The family claimed that the attending doctor contacted gynaecologist S S Pal over the phone, who advised admitting the patient to the private hospital. However, after admission, the woman reportedly continued to bleed profusely.

The patient’s relatives alleged that despite repeatedly informing the doctors on duty about the excessive bleeding, their concerns were ignored. As the woman’s condition deteriorated, the attending doctor again consulted Dr Pal over the phone, who allegedly advised administering an injection. The family claimed that after the injection was given, the patient was taken for a sonography, but the baby was delivered dead inside the ambulance while being shifted.

The woman’s husband, Layek Chowdhury, alleged that the death of the newborn occurred due to medical negligence and inappropriate treatment. He further claimed that when journalists attempted to question a person at the hospital following the incident, the individual fled the scene, adding to public suspicion and anger.

Local residents and relatives of the patient alleged that similar incidents had occurred earlier at Lifeline Hospital, but no strict action had been taken by the district administration. The repeated allegations have led to resentment among sections of the public, who accused the authorities of failing to act against the private healthcare facility despite previous complaints.

Police officials said the situation was brought under control and security personnel were deployed to prevent any escalation. Meanwhile, demands have grown for a thorough investigation into the incident and strict action against those found responsible for the alleged negligence.