Assam CM orders high-level probe into infant death at GMCH

A tragic incident at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) has raised serious concerns over neonatal care after three newborns reportedly fell from an overcrowded ICU bed, resulting in the death of one infant.

The deceased, a baby girl, was the daughter of Smita Deka and Utpal Bordoloi. According to hospital sources, the infants were undergoing phototherapy treatment for jaundice when three babies were placed on a single ICU bed. Despite several vacant phototherapy machines being available, staff on duty allegedly kept them together, leading to the mishap.

One infant sustained fatal head injuries and succumbed, while the other two were discharged unharmed.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who rushed to GMCH to assess the situation, expressed grief and anger over what he termed “gross negligence.” “Despite having sufficient equipment and fewer patients today, three infants were kept on one bed. This is unacceptable negligence,” the CM stated.

He announced the formation of a three-member inquiry panel comprising senior doctors to review CCTV footage, question staff, and submit findings within three to four days. The nurse on duty has already been suspended pending investigation.

CM Sarma further directed the hospital administration to issue an apology to the bereaved family and ensure that safety protocols are strictly followed. Stressing that overcrowding cannot be used as an excuse, he highlighted that Assam now has 14 medical colleges with adequate infrastructure and staff.

The Chief Minister also revealed plans to introduce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in all medical colleges across the state to prevent overcrowding of newborns in ICU beds and strengthen patient safety mechanisms.