Newborn dies after falling from Assam hospital bed, probe ordered

GUWAHATI

The Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) authorities have ordered investigations into the death of a newborn after falling from a phototherapy bed at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Born to Smita Deka of Guwahati’s Noonmati area on August 15, the infant had been undergoing treatment for jaundice. The baby was found hanging from the railing of a phototherapy bed at around 5:30 p.m. on Monday (August 18, 2025) and declared dead later.

Lamenting the newborn’s death, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma warned of strong action if negligence or dereliction of duty is found to be the reason behind the “unfortunate and painful incident”.

“The GMCH principal was surprised when I spoke with him about the incident. I was told there were 26 infants at the unit when the incident happened, but I don’t trust anybody,” he said.

The Chief Minister also said Commissioner of Police Partha Sarathi Mahanta has been asked to examine the CCTV footage during the investigation.

Achyut Chandra Baishya, the principal of the GMCH, said two investigations have been ordered into the incident. One is by the Health Department and the other by the medical college. “The reports will be submitted within 48 hours,” he said.

The hospital authorities said the deceased infant was born through C-section on August 15.

Utpal Bordoloi, the infant’s father, urged the authorities to temporarily relieve those on duty during the incident. Demanding a fair investigation, he urged the government not to tolerate negligence by the health workers.

Mr. Bordoloi also said he would file a complaint with the police and take legal action.

This is the first such incident at the GMCH since it was established in 1960.