Tension Grips Sonabarighat Hospital After Death Of Pregnant Woman, Ambulance Vandalized, Road Blocked

Tension prevailed at Sonabarighat Subsidiary Health Centre in Cachar district on Friday following the death of a 27-year-old pregnant woman, allegedly due to medical negligence and delay in ambulance service.

The deceased, Zarina Begum, a resident of the Sonabarighat area, was admitted to the hospital earlier in the morning for delivery. She gave birth within three hours, but suffered excessive bleeding post-delivery. As her condition deteriorated, she was referred to Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH). However, she died shortly after reaching SMCH.

What triggered the outrage was the allegation that although two ambulances were present at the hospital, none was provided to transport Zarina. Her family reportedly had to arrange a private vehicle, causing a delay in treatment that they claim led to her death.

“She gave birth at the hospital but then she was bleeding heavily. We were told she needs to be taken to SMCH, but we didn’t get an ambulance even though there were two. We had to arrange a private car ourselves. She died on the way. Now she is no more, and who will take care of her three children?” a local relative said.

Soon after the news of her death spread, angry residents gathered outside the hospital, placed Zarina’s body on the road, and blocked the Sonabarighat–Sonai route. In a fit of rage, an ambulance assigned to the hospital was vandalised by the mob. Protesters also accused the hospital staff of arriving late for duty and alleged that the ambulance service is almost never available during emergencies.

“Doctors come after 11 am. This is not the first time the ambulance didn’t work on time. It never does,” another local alleged.

Demanding justice and compensation of at least Rs. 10 lakh for the bereaved family, the protesters have sought the immediate presence of the District Commissioner of Cachar at the site. A large police contingent has been deployed to manage the situation, but the road blockade continues at the time of filing this report.