Assam CM Orders High-Level Inquiry into Infant Death at GMCH

A deeply distressing incident at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) has triggered outrage and concern over neonatal care and hospital management practices in Assam. The case involved the tragic death of a newborn baby girl after three infants were allegedly placed on a single ICU bed for phototherapy treatment, leading to an accident in which the infants fell. The deceased infant, the daughter of Smita Deka and Utpal Bordoloi, reportedly succumbed to severe head injuries, while the two other newborns survived the mishap and were later discharged safely.

According to hospital sources, all three infants were being treated for jaundice under phototherapy when the staff on duty allegedly placed them together on one ICU bed, despite the availability of multiple vacant phototherapy machines in the unit. This act of negligence is being widely condemned, as it directly led to the tragic loss of one child’s life.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma immediately rushed to GMCH upon learning of the incident. Expressing deep grief and anger, the CM described the occurrence as a case of “gross negligence” and highlighted that it was unacceptable under any circumstances. He noted with dismay that on the day of the incident, there were fewer patients in the unit and sufficient medical equipment available, yet three newborns were placed on a single bed. He stated emphatically that such lapses in neonatal care could not be tolerated in a premier healthcare institution like GMCH.

In response to the tragedy, CM Sarma announced the formation of a three-member inquiry committee consisting of senior doctors. This panel has been tasked with reviewing CCTV footage from the ICU, questioning hospital staff, and submitting a comprehensive report within three to four days. As an immediate measure, the nurse on duty during the incident was suspended pending further investigation.

The Chief Minister also directed the GMCH administration to issue a formal apology to the bereaved family, acknowledging the hospital’s accountability in the matter. Stressing the importance of safety and discipline, Sarma reminded hospital authorities that overcrowding or resource shortages could no longer be cited as excuses, given that Assam now has 14 medical colleges equipped with adequate infrastructure and staff to provide quality care.

Going further, Sarma announced that the state government would introduce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across all medical colleges in Assam. These SOPs would specifically address protocols for neonatal care, particularly in intensive care units, to ensure that multiple infants are not accommodated on a single bed, thereby eliminating risks of overcrowding. The aim is to create uniform standards of safety and accountability, significantly reducing the chances of such preventable tragedies in the future.

The incident has brought into sharp focus the issues of negligence, accountability, and the urgent need for systemic reforms in Assam’s healthcare institutions. It has also raised public concern about whether patient safety, especially that of vulnerable newborns, is being adequately prioritized. The Chief Minister’s swift action, including suspension of the staff, initiation of an inquiry, and introduction of SOPs, reflects an effort to restore public trust while preventing the recurrence of such lapses in neonatal care.