What Led to the Tragic Death of a Newborn at Guwahati Medical College?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The death of a newborn at Guwahati Medical College has prompted a police investigation, with Assam's Chief Minister demanding accountability. This incident raises critical questions about hospital management and patient safety protocols.
Key Takeaways
- Police investigation initiated into the newborn's death.
- Nurse suspended for negligence.
- Detailed review of CCTV footage to identify accountability.
- New SOPs to be implemented for neonatal care.
- Hospital management criticized for overcrowding and negligence.
Guwahati, Aug 19 (NationPress) Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Tuesday that a police investigation will be initiated following the tragic death of a newborn at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). He stated that anyone found responsible for this incident will face severe consequences.
In a statement to reporters, he remarked, “I have contacted the Guwahati Police Commissioner to ensure a thorough investigation. The police will scrutinize the CCTV footage, and if any negligence is discovered, we will take stringent measures. This is a deeply unfortunate event, and my heart goes out to the grieving family.”
Following the incident, CM Sarma hurried to GMCH and conveyed his profound sorrow over the event.
Clearly distressed, he criticized the hospital management for their “unacceptable negligence.”
“Despite having adequate equipment and a lower patient count, three infants were placed on a single bed. This is simply not acceptable,” CM Sarma expressed to the media.
The Chief Minister has ordered the suspension of the on-duty nurse and has initiated a high-level investigation.
A committee comprised of three senior doctors has been assigned to examine the CCTV footage, interview staff, and provide a report within 3-4 days.
Rejecting overcrowding as a justification, CM Sarma highlighted that Assam now boasts 14 medical colleges and enough staff.
He instructed GMCH officials to extend an apology to the family and to enforce strict safety protocols. “I have gathered information from the principal, and there were only 26 newborns in the unit, which indicates this incident was not due to overcrowding,” he explained.
The Chief Minister also revealed that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will soon be established across all medical colleges in Assam to prevent overcrowding in ICUs and to enhance neonatal care.
In a shocking turn of events, a newborn girl tragically lost her life and two others were injured after reportedly falling from an ICU bed at GMCH on Monday.
The deceased infant, the daughter of Smita Deka and Utpal Bordoloi, was undergoing phototherapy for jaundice when the incident took place.
Reports indicate that three infants were placed together on one bed in the phototherapy room, despite several machines remaining unused.
This overcrowding allegedly caused the infants to slip, resulting in severe head injuries for one child. While two of the babies were discharged unharmed, the girl succumbed to her injuries. This incident has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns regarding hospital management and patient safety at the state’s leading medical institution.
Point of View
It is essential to highlight the gravity of this incident while remaining impartial. The tragic death of a newborn at GMCH demands thorough scrutiny and accountability to ensure that such incidents do not recur. The focus must be on improving hospital management and reinforcing safety protocols to protect our most vulnerable patients.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Guwahati Medical College?
A newborn girl tragically died after falling from an ICU bed, and two other infants were injured in the same incident.
Who is responsible for the investigation?
The investigation will be conducted by the police, initiated by Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
What actions have been taken by the authorities?
The on-duty nurse has been suspended, and a three-member committee of senior doctors has been formed to review the incident.
What measures are being proposed to prevent future incidents?
The Chief Minister announced that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be introduced across all medical colleges in Assam to improve neonatal care.
How many newborns were present in the unit at the time?
There were only 26 newborns in the unit, which raises questions about the circumstances leading to the incident.
