Agartala: April 26: The untimely death of 23-year-old Pooja Das at GB Hospital in Agartala has triggered widespread grief and public outrage, exposing critical shortcomings in the healthcare system. A resident of Swami Vivekananda Abasan, Pooja was admitted with a medical condition that reportedly required immediate surgical intervention. However, due to the unavailability of a surgeon, she was left without the care she desperately needed — ultimately losing her life on Saturday morning in the presence of her heartbroken parents.
Pooja’s father, Sudip Das, an auto driver, stood helplessly as his daughter cried out in pain, her condition deteriorating rapidly. According to initial reports, had a surgeon been available in time, her life might have been saved. This tragic loss highlights deep-rooted problems in the state’s medical infrastructure, where understaffing and delayed emergency care are proving to be fatal.
The incident has drawn strong reactions from the public, with many residents demanding answers and accountability. Health official Kiran Githe confirmed that an inquiry has been launched, and disciplinary action may be taken against the doctor on duty. However, the Das family and the community feel that such steps, while necessary, come too late for Pooja.
Her death has become a symbol of systemic failure — not just in Agartala, but across many parts of India where medical negligence and resource gaps continue to endanger lives. The demand now is for long-term solutions: increased staffing, better emergency preparedness, and consistent availability of essential medical services.
As investigations continue, Pooja’s story serves as a powerful reminder that healthcare reform is urgently needed. Her death must not be in vain — it should catalyze efforts to build a more responsive, accountable, and humane public health system.
