Assam: 11-month-old's death at Silchar Medical College sparks negligence allegations, protest

The death of an 11-month-old child at Silchar Medical College and Hospital on July 19 sparked protests after the family alleged medical negligence during treatment, prompting police to intervene to restore order.

 

Senior police officers, including Cachar Police DSP Bhaskar Saikia, the officer-in-charge of Sadar Police Station and other officials, reached the hospital following reports of rising tension.

 

According to reports, the child was a resident of South Mohanpur in Sonai. The father has been identified as Azad Hussain Laskar.

 

The family said the child was admitted to the hospital at around 3 pm on Saturday, July 18, after developing an infection. They claimed the infant's condition remained stable after receiving two injections. However, they alleged that the child's health deteriorated suddenly after a nurse administered another injection.

 

The child was immediately shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where doctors attempted treatment, but the child later died.

 

Family members alleged that the child died due to "negligence" and "medical malpractice" by the attending nurse and doctors.

 

The incident triggered protests inside the hospital premises, with relatives and local residents demanding a fair investigation into the death and strict legal action against those found responsible.

 

Police personnel brought the situation under control after reaching the hospital in response to the unrest.

 

Meanwhile, when contacted, the Silchar Medical College and Hospital authorities said the child had been undergoing treatment in the ICU in a critical condition and that doctors had made every possible effort to save the infant. The hospital administration said an inquiry into the incident has been initiated. It added that the exact cause of death and other details surrounding the case would be disclosed officially after the investigation report is received.