A tragic incident at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) has left families in shock and grief after newborns fell from their beds inside the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). One infant has been confirmed dead, while two others remain in critical condition.
The incident took place on the third floor of the hospital in Ward No. 3, where multiple newborns were reportedly placed on a single ICU bed due to overcrowding. Family members alleged that the infants slipped and fell, sustaining severe injuries, including head trauma.
The deceased infant, born to Smita Deka of Noonmati, had been admitted to the NICU for jaundice treatment. According to reports, one baby was found hanging from a phototherapy bed and later declared dead, while two others are under close medical supervision.
Family members accused the hospital of negligence, pointing to broken and poorly maintained beds as the cause of the mishap. They also claimed that doctors have not yet allowed them access to the injured infants or the deceased child, intensifying their anguish.
Speaking to the media, GMCH Principal Dr. Achyut Chandra Baishya acknowledged the gravity of the incident and confirmed that an internal inquiry had been initiated. CCTV footage from the NICU is being examined to establish the exact sequence of events.
“This is the first time such an incident has happened at GMCH. We have started an internal inquiry and express our deepest condolences to the bereaved family,” Dr. Baishya said.
He admitted that the NICU, with a sanctioned capacity of 80 infants, often has to accommodate more, sometimes leading to two or three newborns being placed on a single bed.
Addressing concerns over safety, Dr. Baishya urged the public not to lose faith in the hospital.
“Just because there is a car accident, we don’t stop driving. Just because a plane crashes, we don’t shut down airlines. Similarly, one tragic incident does not mean the hospital is unsafe. GMCH remains a safe place for patients,” he said.
