GUWAHATI : Tensions flared at Gauhati Medical College & Hospital (GMCH) following the death of a young man, Salgira Agitok Sangma, who was brought in after a road accident. The family of the deceased has accused the hospital of negligence, claiming that Sangma had been left unattended for an extended period, leading to his death.

Sangma was found unconscious on the road after being involved in a serious accident and was rushed to GMCH by Noonmati Police for treatment. However, the family alleges that despite his critical condition, he did not receive any medical attention, resulting in his demise.

GMCH’s Principal-cum-Chief Superintendent has reported an assault on three on-duty doctors. A letter dated August 19, 2024, addressed to the Officer Incharge of Bhangagarh Police Station, details an incident where attendees physically assaulted Dr. Dibyendu Chakravarty, Dr. Mahbub Hassan Akon and Dr. Akash Singh of the Surgery Department. The hospital has requested urgent action against those involved.

The incident at GMCH coincides with nationwide protests by doctors demanding a special law for the protection of healthcare workers, following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor from RG Kar Medical College. Although a Bill was drafted in 2019 after widespread protests, it has yet to be tabled in Parliament.