Guwahati, August 19: The Assam government has set up a three-member probe panel to investigate the tragic death of a four-day-old infant at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). The incident occurred on Monday night when the newborn, under treatment for jaundice, reportedly fell from a phototherapy bed.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who personally visited the NICU to review the situation, said the committee will include Additional Chief Secretary S. Sangson, the Director of Medical Education, and a doctor from AIIMS. The panel is expected to submit its report within three to four days. Describing the death as “unfortunate and unprecedented,” the Chief Minister announced the suspension of the on-duty nurse and assured the family of an impartial inquiry.
“There is CCTV footage and all aspects will be examined. While it may have been a human mistake, the commission will also determine if there was intent involved. The incident is being treated as a crime,” Sarma said.
Rejecting claims of overcrowding, the Chief Minister clarified that GMCH had adequate phototherapy beds. He explained that despite availability, three infants were placed on the same unit at the time of the incident. The deceased baby, weighing 3.7 kg, was among them. Another infant injured in the incident remains in critical condition.
Visibly shaken, Sarma said he felt “grieved and ashamed” over the incident but stressed that GMCH was not overwhelmed by patient load, citing the availability of medical facilities across Assam. He also met the grieving parents, assuring them of full government support. “I have invited the father to my office to console him personally,” he added.
Meanwhile, the family of the deceased infant, identified as the daughter of Smita Deka of Noonmati, has lodged a complaint with Bhangagarh Police Station. However, according to the father, Utpal Bordoloi, police have not yet registered a case.
