Assam Assembly Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia has appealed to the Assam Human Rights Commission (AHRC) to take suo motu cognisance of the death of a four-day-old newborn at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). The infant, admitted for infection and jaundice, was found dead on August 18 in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), entangled in the wires of medical equipment. Saikia described the incident as a “blatant violation of fundamental human rights” and cited overcrowding, staff shortages, and lapses in duty of care as causes.
In his letter to the AHRC, Saikia urged an inquiry under Section 21(5) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, and called for a committee of independent experts to investigate systemic failures in Assam’s public healthcare. He demanded accountability from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Health Department for alleged lapses and insensitive statements. Saikia also sought interim compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the bereaved family and protection for the parents, highlighting the recurring problem of medical negligence in state hospitals.
Meanwhile, a nurse on duty during the incident has been arrested for negligence, and the Assam government has formed a three-member committee to investigate. Chief Minister Sarma has assured strict action against those found responsible while affirming that the GMCH principal will not be transferred. The inquiry is ongoing, with a report expected shortly.
