In a major step to protect patients’ rights and ensure ethical medical practices, the Assam Cabinet has approved a Draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and Regulatory Guidelines to prevent coercive actions by private nursing homes and hospitals across the state.
The move comes in response to increasing public outrage over unethical billing practices and incidents where hospitals have allegedly withheld dead bodies due to unpaid dues.
Mandatory Release of Bodies Within Two Hours
One of the key provisions in the newly approved SOP mandates that hospitals must release a deceased patient’s body within two hours of issuing the death certificate—regardless of any pending payments.
Any delay beyond this two-hour window may attract penal consequences, and such incidents must be reported to both the local police and the district health authority within four hours.
24×7 Complaint Helpline Activated
To assist aggrieved families, the government has activated a 24/7 toll-free helpline (104) for lodging complaints against hospitals that engage in coercive practices. Upon receiving a complaint, the assigned official must visit the site immediately, ensure that the body is released without delay, and begin legal action against the institution involved.
Strict Penalties for Violations
Private hospitals and nursing homes found guilty of violating the SOP will face strict punitive measures, including:
- Licence suspension for 3 to 6 months
- Monetary penalty of up to ₹25 lakh
- Blacklisting of the institution
- Permanent deregistration in case of repeat offences
Government Issues Stern Warning
Health officials have issued a strong warning to all private medical establishments in Assam, urging strict compliance with the new SOP. Authorities emphasized that any violation will be met with zero tolerance and swift action.
The decision signals the government’s firm resolve to uphold patient dignity and end exploitative practices in the healthcare system.
