In a tragic incident at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), a newborn admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) died on Monday morning after reportedly falling from a bed.
According to GMCH Principal Dr. Achyut Chandra Baishya, the baby, born to Smita Deka of Noonmati, had been admitted to the NICU for jaundice treatment. During a routine check, a medical staff found that two infants had fallen from their beds.
One of the child safely recovered, while the other was discovered hanging from a phototherapy bed and could not be saved.
Dr. Baishya said this was the first such incident at GMCH and confirmed that an internal inquiry has been ordered. CCTV footage is being examined to determine how the negligence occurred.
The Principal also admitted that overcrowding in the NICU has been a long-standing challenge. Although the unit has a capacity of 80 infants, doctors are often forced to keep two or three babies on a single bed due to the high number of patients.
Expressing condolences to the bereaved family, Dr. Baishya assured that strict action will be taken against those responsible. He further emphasized that despite this unfortunate incident, GMCH remains a trusted healthcare institution. “Accidents can happen anywhere, but that does not mean hospitals are unsafe,” he added.
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