The deceased, identified as Shishuram Rajkhowa of Komar Gaon, was referred for advanced treatment after reportedly suffering a cardiac emergency after a being admitted to the hospital.

Family members alleged that although they contacted the 108 emergency service around 7 pm on Thursday for his transfer to Dibrugarh, the ambulance never arrived before his death around 11:30 pm.

Rajkhowa had been undergoing treatment at Pitambar Deva Goswami District Hospital for more than a week for ailments including high blood pressure and diabetes.

According to family members, his condition had initially improved while he was admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), but deteriorated after he was shifted week out of the ICU facility.

Rajkhowa's daughter-in-law alleged that the family repeatedly pleaded with hospital staff to intervene and arrange transportation but received little assistance.

"We repeatedly called doctors and nurses to check on him, but nobody responded properly. We had even requested them to refer him elsewhere if they could not continue treatment," she said.

She further alleged that after the referral was issued on Thursday evening, the family struggled to secure an ambulance despite making repeated calls.

"We started calling the 108 service around 7:30 pm. Initially, nobody picked up. Later they called back and said it would take about an hour to reach. We requested nurses to follow up from their end as well. Every time we checked, we were told to wait longer. Meanwhile, his condition kept deteriorating," she alleged.

As Rajkhowa's health deteriorated, relatives claimed they sought assistance from nurses and hospital staff to expedite the ambulance service but received little support.

"The hospital authorities told us to take him to Dibrugarh, but there was not a single 108 ambulance available to take him either to Dibrugarh or even Jorhat," she added.

Rajkhowa eventually died at around 11:30 pm while still awaiting transfer, family members said.

Another family member alleged that doctors failed to personally monitor the patient's condition and that relatives faced pressure to complete paperwork even as they waited for emergency transportation.

"Treatment was continuing, but the doctor did not come even once to examine him. Only nurses were attending. We kept calling the 108 service but the calls were repeatedly disconnected," the relative alleged.

The family member further claimed that ambulance personnel were reportedly reluctant to undertake the journey due to prevailing flood conditions.

"We were told that some ambulance drivers were apprehensive about the flood situation and rising water levels. At the same time, hospital staff kept insisting that we sign documents. We objected and said the ambulance should arrive first. When my daughter-in-law questioned them, arguments broke out," the relative said.

Hospital authorities and officials associated with the 108 ambulance service are yet to issue a detailed response to the allegations at the time of filing this report.