Baby Dies After Falling From Hospital Bed in Assam
A tragic incident has been reported from the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), where a newborn died after falling from an Assam hospital bed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The infant, admitted for jaundice treatment, slipped from a phototherapy bed and was later declared dead.
This rare and unfortunate case has prompted authorities to order multiple investigations to determine if negligence was involved.
Incident Details
The incident took place in Ward No. 3 of the labour and delivery unit, where multiple newborns were kept together on a single ICU bed. According to witnesses, four babies had been placed on the same bed, and one of them slipped and rolled, which unfortunately caused serious head injuries to three of the infants.
Among them, a baby girl, born via C-section to Smita Deka from Guwahati’s Noonmati area on August 15, was receiving phototherapy in the NICU for jaundice. On August 18, around 5:30 p.m., staff members discovered her hanging from the bed railing. Despite immediate medical efforts, the newborn could not be saved.
Government and Hospital Response
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed grief over the newborn’s death and assured strict action if any negligence is confirmed. He also revealed that he had spoken directly with the GMCH principal and instructed police officials to verify CCTV footage of the NICU.
Meanwhile, GMCH Principal Dr. Achyut Chandra Baishya announced two separate investigations, one led by the Health Department and another internal probe by the hospital itself. Both reports are expected within 48 hours.
Family’s Demand for Accountability
The infant’s father, Utpal Bordoloi, has demanded that the medical staff on duty at the time be temporarily relieved until the investigation is complete. He further stated that he plans to lodge a formal police complaint and pursue legal action, urging authorities not to overlook any negligence by hospital staff.
Conclusion
This heartbreaking case of a newborn dying after falling from an Assam hospital bed has not only shaken the family but also raised serious questions about patient safety at one of the state’s premier medical institutions. With two investigations underway and political leaders closely monitoring developments, the outcome will likely set a precedent for accountability in neonatal care facilities across Assam.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
