Guwahati (Assam), 18 August (HS): A tragic incident occurred on Monday morning at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) when a newborn admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) died after reportedly falling from a bed.

According to GMCH Principal Dr. Achyut Chandra Baishya, the infant, born to Smita Deka of Noonmati, had been admitted for jaundice treatment. During routine checks, it was found that two infants had fallen from their respective beds. While one baby was rescued, the other, who fell from a phototherapy bed, could not be saved.

Dr. Baishya stated that this was the first such incident at GMCH. An internal probe has been ordered, and CCTV footage is being examined. He admitted that the NICU often remains overcrowded—though its capacity is for 80 children, at times two to three infants are placed on a single bed due to patient load.

Expressing condolences to the bereaved family, the Principal assured strict action based on the probe findings. He added that the incident should not be seen as a reflection of hospital safety, comparing it to accidents in cars or airplanes that do not stop their use, emphasizing that GMCH remains a safe and reliable institution.------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash