Himanta Biswa Sarma warns hospitals: No illegal detention of dead bodies over unpaid bills

Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has strongly condemned private nursing homes that illegally withhold dead bodies or prolong hospital stays over unpaid bills, calling such acts a blatant violation of constitutional rights.

“Some nursing homes are detaining patients or dead bodies purely for payment, even pressuring families to sell land. This is illegal,” CM Sarma said, invoking Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.

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He announced that a dedicated helpline (102 or 103) will be launched shortly by the State Health Department for families facing such distress. CM Sarma emphasised that financial disputes must be resolved through legal means, not coercion.

“Even the police need court permission to detain someone. How can hospitals act beyond the law?” he asked, adding that the cabinet will take firm action within 1–2 days to curb such practices.