Naxalbari, 28 May (Siliguri Chronicle) – Tension gripped Naxalbari Rural Hospital throughout Wednesday night following the death of a newborn, with the bereaved family alleging negligence in treatment by hospital staff. The incident sparked protests inside the hospital premises and led to police intervention to bring the situation under control.
According to family members, a pregnant woman from Station Para in Naxalbari was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday evening after she went into labour. The family alleged that despite repeatedly calling doctors and nurses as her pain intensified, adequate medical attention was not provided in time.
They further claimed that due to the delay in treatment, the woman delivered the baby on the hospital bed itself. Although the newborn reportedly cried immediately after birth, the baby died shortly afterwards, leading to outrage among relatives.
Angry family members accused the on-duty doctors and nursing staff of negligence and staged protests inside the hospital. As tensions escalated, Naxalbari police reached the spot and brought the situation under control.
Officials of the Naxalbari block health department also visited the hospital following the incident. The family has submitted a written complaint against the attending doctor and demanded suspension along with legal action.
The family alleged that both the mother and the newborn were stable at the time of admission and claimed that the lack of timely treatment led to the tragic death. Police and health authorities have started an investigation into the incident.
