A 23-year-old pregnant woman’s sudden death at Nalbari Medical College and Hospital in Assam on Friday has triggered widespread protests, with her family and local residents accusing hospital staff of gross medical negligence.
According to eyewitness accounts, the woman was admitted in a stable condition but died within minutes after complaining of breathing difficulty. Her relatives allege that she was denied oxygen and urgent medical attention despite repeated pleas.
Family Alleges Neglect and Delayed Response
A female relative told reporters that the woman arrived at the hospital around 11 a.m. and began showing signs of distress shortly afterward.
“She kept saying she couldn’t breathe and asked for oxygen, but the nurses ignored her,” the relative said. “They insisted they knew what they were doing. Within minutes, she collapsed.”
An ASHA worker who accompanied the patient supported the family’s account, saying she had informed staff that the woman was carrying twins and needed specialised care. “They didn’t act quickly enough. This was complete negligence,” she told The Assam Tribune.
Protest Erupts as Residents Demand Justice
News of the woman’s death spread quickly, drawing angry crowds to the hospital premises. Protesters chanted slogans, demanding the suspension of the attending doctor and nurses.
“The patient pleaded for oxygen, but no one helped,” a protester said. “If the government doesn’t act, we will shut down Nalbari Medical College.”
Police were deployed to disperse the crowd and restore calm. Officials confirmed that the situation was under control by evening, though tensions remain high in the community.
Hospital Promises Inquiry
Hospital authorities have not yet issued an official statement. However, internal sources confirmed that an inquiry committee would be set up to investigate whether negligence contributed to the woman’s death.
Local health officials say they are awaiting a postmortem report to determine the exact cause of death.
Growing Concerns Over Maternal Care in Assam
The incident adds to a troubling pattern of maternal deaths and allegations of poor hospital care across parts of India. Earlier this year, similar protests erupted in Namsai and Haridwar following the deaths of mothers and newborns under disputed circumstances.
Health experts have called for urgent reforms in maternal care, including improved staff training, emergency response, and accountability mechanisms.
As the family mourns their loss, the community continues to demand answers — and justice — for what they describe as a preventable tragedy.
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