Agartala, Aug 19 – The Charakbai area of South Tripura has been gripped by grief and outrage following the tragic death of 9-year-old Asmi Majumdar, allegedly due to medical negligence at Baikhora Primary Health Centre. The incident, which occurred late Sunday night, has reignited concerns about the state of rural healthcare in Tripura.
According to family members, Asmi, daughter of Sanjib Majumdar of Charakbai Madhyapara, was rushed to Baikhora Health Centre around 10 PM after being bitten by a venomous creature. On-duty physician Dr. Ranadip Bhowmik was present in the emergency ward at the time.
The family alleged that despite being informed of a suspected venomous bite, the doctor neither admitted the child nor referred her to a higher facility. Instead, he prescribed a WBCT blood test, even though the hospital lacked the required infrastructure. “The doctor gave three injections and sent my daughter home without observation. When her condition worsened and her skin began to discolour, we rushed her back. Only then was she referred to Santirbazar Hospital,” said the grieving father, Sanjib Majumdar.
At Santirbazar, tests confirmed venom in her bloodstream. Anti-venom was administered, and she was referred to GBP Hospital in Agartala. Despite all efforts, Asmi could not be saved.
Locals have strongly criticised the Baikhora Health Centre, claiming conditions deteriorated after the transfer of former physician Dr. Subhrajyoti Majumdar. They allege that under Dr. Bhowmik’s charge, the facility has become unhygienic, poorly managed, and plagued by staff misbehaviour.
Further anger is directed at Chief Medical Officer Jyotirmoy Das, accused of neglecting his duties despite residing on hospital premises.
Residents are now demanding strict action against those responsible, holding hospital negligence accountable for the loss of a young life.