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Key Points

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has ordered a police probe into the death of a newborn at Guwahati Medical College. He criticized hospital authorities for negligence, citing three infants placed on a single bed despite available equipment. A three-member committee will investigate and submit findings within days. The CM announced new SOPs to prevent overcrowding in neonatal ICUs.

Key Points: Assam CM Sarma Orders Probe After Newborn Dies at Guwahati Hospital

  • CM Sarma slams GMCH for negligence after newborn death
  • Police to probe CCTV footage, guilty to face action
  • Three-member doctor committee to submit report in 3-4 days
  • SOPs to be introduced to prevent overcrowding in ICUs
3 min read

Newborn dies at Guwahati Medical College: Police to conduct probe, says CM

Assam CM Himanta Sarma demands strict action after a newborn's death at GMCH, citing negligence. Police probe underway, nurse suspended.

"Despite having sufficient equipment and fewer patients today, three infants were kept on one bed. This is unacceptable. – CM Himanta Biswa Sarma"

Guwahati, Aug 19

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said that the police will conduct an inquiry into the death of an infant in Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), and if anybody is found guilty in the incident, the person will face strict punishment.

He told reporters here, “I have spoken to the Guwahati Police Commissioner for a probe into the matter. The police will look into the CCTV footage, and if anybody is found guilty in their duty, we will take strict action. This is an unfortunate incident, and my thoughts are with the bereaved family.”

Earlier on Monday night, CM Sarma rushed to GMCH after the incident and expressed deep grief over the tragedy.

Visibly upset, he slammed hospital authorities for “unacceptable negligence”.

“Despite having sufficient equipment and fewer patients today, three infants were kept on one bed. This is unacceptable,” CM Sarma told reporters.

The CM announced the suspension of the nurse on duty and ordered a high-level inquiry.

A three-member committee of senior doctors has been tasked with reviewing CCTV footage, questioning staff, and submitting a report within 3-4 days.

Rejecting overcrowding as an excuse, CM Sarma pointed out that Assam now has 14 medical colleges and adequate staff strength.

He directed GMCH authorities to apologise to the bereaved family and implement strict safety protocols. “I have taken information from the principal, and there were only 26 newborns in the unit, and hence the incident must not have happened due to overcrowding,” he said.

The Chief Minister also said Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) would soon be introduced across all medical colleges in Assam to prevent overcrowding of infants in ICUs and to strengthen neonatal care.

Notably, in a shocking case, a newborn girl died and two others were injured after allegedly falling from an ICU bed at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) on Monday.

The deceased infant, daughter of Smita Deka and Utpal Bordoloi, was undergoing phototherapy for jaundice when the incident occurred.

According to reports, three babies were placed together on a single bed in the phototherapy room, despite several machines lying unused.

The overcrowding reportedly caused the infants to slip, leading to severe head injuries to one child. While two of the babies were discharged without harm, the girl succumbed to her injuries. The incident has triggered outrage and raised serious questions over hospital management and patient safety in the state’s premier medical institution.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As a father myself, this news made me physically sick. Three babies on one bed when machines were lying unused? This shows the attitude problem in our healthcare system. Suspension isn't enough - criminal charges should be filed.
A
Aman W
While the CM's quick response is appreciated, why wait for tragedies to happen? Regular audits and surprise checks should be mandatory in all government hospitals. Our tax money pays for these facilities!
S
Shreya B
My sister delivered at GMCH last month. The staff was overworked but caring. This incident seems like an exception rather than the norm. But even one case is too many when it comes to newborn lives 😢
V
Vikram M
The real test will be whether these SOPs are actually implemented or forgotten after media attention fades. We've seen many such announcements after tragedies, but ground reality remains same in most hospitals.
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Nisha Z
As a nurse working in private hospital, I know how stressful neonatal care can be. But basic protocols like one baby per bed should never be compromised. The suspended nurse must be made an example for others to learn from.

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