The Assam government has announced that private hospitals will no longer be allowed to withhold a deceased patient’s body for more than two hours, even if the family is unable to clear outstanding medical bills. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, addressing a press conference following a cabinet meeting, said hospitals delaying release of bodies beyond the stipulated time may face penal action.
To ensure timely enforcement, the government will activate a 24×7 toll-free helpline (104). Families can report instances of body withholding through this number, which will alert the District Health Officer, local police, and hospital grievance cell. Authorities are mandated to visit the hospital, release the body if wrongfully detained, and begin legal action against the facility involved.
Strict penalties have been proposed for violations: a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh, suspension of hospital licence for 3 to 6 months, and permanent deregistration for repeated offences. In the same briefing, the Chief Minister also announced that a new scheme to tackle human-elephant conflict will be launched in eight districts of the state.
