SRIBHUMI : Tension gripped Sribhumi town on December 25 following the death of a newborn at a private hospital, with the bereaved family alleging gross medical negligence and wrong treatment, triggering public outrage and unrest.

The incident occurred at Lifeline Hospital in the Kanishail area, where a six-month pregnant woman from Bairigram was admitted after experiencing excessive bleeding. Soon after news of the newborn’s death spread, angry relatives and local residents gathered outside the hospital, prompting the deployment of police and paramilitary forces to maintain law and order.

According to the family, the attending doctor initially contacted gynaecologist S S Pal over the phone, who advised admitting the patient to the private hospital. However, even after admission, the woman allegedly continued to bleed heavily. The relatives claimed that despite repeatedly alerting the doctors on duty to her worsening condition, no effective steps were taken.

As the patient’s condition deteriorated further, the attending doctor again consulted Dr Pal telephonically and reportedly administered an injection on his advice. The family alleged that the woman was subsequently taken for a sonography, but while she was being shifted, the baby was delivered dead inside the ambulance.

The woman’s husband, Layek Chowdhury, accused the hospital of medical negligence and inappropriate treatment, holding it responsible for the death of the newborn. He also alleged that when journalists attempted to question a person at the hospital following the incident, the individual fled the premises, fuelling public suspicion and anger.

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

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