Tripura, Aug 18: A nine-year-old girl, identified as Asmi Majumdar, died on Sunday night allegedly due to medical negligence at Baikhora Primary Health Centre in South Tripura. The incident has triggered widespread outrage in Charakbai area.
According to the family, Asmi, daughter of Sanjib Majumdar of Charakbai Madhyapara, was brought to the health centre around 10 p.m. after she was suspected to have been bitten by a venomous creature on her leg. At the time, Dr. Randeep Bhowmik, the acting medical officer, was on duty.
The family alleged that despite informing the doctor about the suspected venomous bite, he only prescribed a WBCT blood test, which was unavailable at the facility. Instead of admitting the child, he administered three injections and sent her home without referring her to Shantirbazar District Hospital.
Soon after returning home, Asmi’s condition worsened, and her body began to show discoloration. She was rushed back to Baikhora Hospital, where she was finally referred to Shantirbazar District Hospital. Tests there confirmed venom in her bloodstream. Doctors administered anti-venom and referred her to GBP Hospital in Agartala, but the child succumbed to her condition during transfer.
Locals alleged that the condition of Baikhora Primary Health Centre has deteriorated under Dr. Randeep Bhowmik’s tenure, citing unhygienic surroundings and alleged misconduct by nursing staff. They also criticized Chief Medical Officer Jyotirmoy Das, accusing him of neglect despite residing in the hospital quarters.
Asmi’s death has cast a shadow of grief over the Charakbai area, with locals strongly protesting against the doctor’s alleged negligence.
