Protests Erupt in Digboi Over Woman's Death During Surgery
Protests Block National Highway 38
Protestors blocking national highway 38 in Digboi
Digboi, Sept 4: A demonstration erupted on Friday, halting traffic on National Highway 38 at Bogapani Dargai, following the death of a woman during her treatment at Margherita Civil Hospital. Tribal groups are demanding the arrest of the doctor they believe is responsible for her care.
Members of AATSA and Munda Mahasabha claimed that Lalita Munda passed away during an operation at the hospital on Thursday due to what they termed as improper treatment. They are insisting on the immediate apprehension of Dr. Sonak Dutta, who they allege was overseeing Lalita's treatment, and are seeking compensation for her family.
One protester stated that the demonstration would last for two hours, emphasizing their demand for accountability regarding the doctor involved.
“We are staging a two-hour protest, calling for the arrest of the doctor who operated on the woman from Margherita. She died during the procedure. We also seek compensation for her family,” the protester remarked.
Another protester raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding Lalita’s body being transported to Tinsukia Medical College and Hospital shortly after her death, suggesting that the quick transfer was suspicious.
“Yesterday, in Margherita hospital, the woman died during the operation due to incorrect treatment. Her body was escorted to Tinsukia Medical College and Hospital,” the protester noted.
They questioned the urgency of the transfer, alleging it was an attempt to keep the incident from gaining media attention and to prevent local residents from learning about it.
The protesters are also urging the Assam Health Minister to address the situation and enhance healthcare services in the region.
“The Health Minister needs to take action. Merely being in the Dispur office is not sufficient,” a protester asserted, calling for improved healthcare infrastructure for local residents.
They further alleged that medical professionals from Dibrugarh Medical College and Hospital are being dispatched to the area for practical training, questioning the adequacy of medical facilities and oversight available to patients.
“They cannot just send doctors from Dibrugarh Medical for practical training here and risk lives. They should not treat families of tea workers as if they are expendable,” the protester claimed.
The protesters vowed to continue their agitation until Dr. Sonak Dutta is arrested and are demanding Rs 20 lakh in compensation for Lalita Munda’s three children.