A tragic incident has sparked outrage at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), after a newborn baby died after falling from a bed inside the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Acting on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s orders, Bhangagarh Police detained 11 hospital staff—including doctors, nurses and support workers—for questioning.
The infant, born to Smita Deka of Noonmati, was admitted to GMCH for jaundice treatment. On Monday morning, the baby’s father, Utpal Bordoloi, found the newborn bleeding after allegedly falling from a phototherapy bed. He claimed staff initially misled him by saying the child had jaundice and infection, though the medical report did not confirm it.
Bordoloi lodged a complaint naming Dr. Puja Saikia and other NICU staff. He also accused staff of demanding ₹500–₹1000 from parents for services such as providing “trolley pullers” or tea for staff.
Guwahati police launched an investigation led by DCP Mrinal Deka, by reviewing CCTV footage from the NICU and questioning the accused employees. Following the complaint, 11 staff members (8 men and 3 women) were detained for allegedly taking unauthorized payments.
GMCH Principal Dr. Achyut Ch. Baishya confirmed that two babies had fallen during routine checks, and sadly, one lost its life. He admitted that overcrowding in the NICU—meant for 80 infants—sometimes forces staff to place two or three babies on one bed.
Calling it the first such incident at GMCH, he assured that a probe is underway. While offering condolences, he added that despite the tragedy, GMCH remains a trusted healthcare facility.
Chief Minister’s Response on Newborn death in Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH)
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma described the newborn’s death as a result of gross negligence and announced strict action against those responsible. He has set up a three-member inquiry committee and directed that a new Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) will ensure only one baby is placed on each phototherapy bed.
The nurse on duty has already been suspended, while two other infants involved in the incident were discharged in good health.
“The death of the newborn was due to negligence at GMCH. This is an inexcusable error,” CM Sarma said, assuring that any staff mistreating patients will face tough punishment.