Agartala, March 4, 2025: The Tripura’s Health Department is under scrutiny after allegations of negligence surfaced against doctors at Melaghar Hospital in Sepahijala district. Late Monday night, a patient with respiratory distress, Sulekha Sarkar from Rajghat area of Melaghar was referred to another hospital with a half-finished oxygen cylinder.

The incident took place when the oxygen supply ran out at Bairagi Bazar leaving the patient on the verge of stopping breathing. Sarkar was rushed to Bishramganj Hospital and then to Bishalgarh Sub-Divisional Hospital, where her family members raised an alarm.

“As soon as we reached Bishalgarh, we started screaming for help,” said a family member. The patient was quickly administered oxygen and stabilized before being sent to GBP Hospital in Agartala city in an ambulance.

A significant complaint has arisen against the doctor who referred the patient with a half-finished oxygen cylinder. “If the patient had died, who would have taken the responsibility?” questioned a concerned relative. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability within the State Health Department.