Private Hospitals Can’t Hold Bodies Even On Non-payment Of bills; Assam CM Announces Penalties

In a significant stride towards safeguarding patient rights and ensuring humane treatment, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a stringent directive aimed at curbing unethical hospital practices within the state’s private healthcare sector. This decisive move, unveiled on Thursday, July 11, 2025, specifically prohibits private hospitals from withholding the bodies of deceased patients over outstanding medical bills, a practice that has long been a source of immense distress for grieving families.

Ending the Ordeal: A Direct Challenge to Unethical Hospital Practices

The Chief Minister’s announcement comes as a welcome relief to countless citizens who have faced the harrowing ordeal of being denied access to their deceased loved ones due to financial disputes. Under the new directive, private hospitals are now mandated to release the bodies of patients within two hours of death certification, irrespective of any pending payments. This swift timeframe is designed to prevent unnecessary delays and alleviate the emotional burden on families, addressing a critical aspect of unethical hospital practices that has drawn widespread criticism.

“No private hospital can hold a body even on non-payment of bills,” Chief Minister Sarma asserted, underscoring the government’s unwavering commitment to stamping out such exploitative behaviors. This clear and unequivocal statement sends a strong message to healthcare providers: patient dignity and the rights of bereaved families must take precedence over financial considerations. The directive is a direct response to persistent complaints and a proactive measure to ensure that compassion remains at the core of healthcare services, rather than being overshadowed by unethical hospital practices.

Immediate Action: A New Mechanism to Combat Unethical Hospital Practices

To ensure robust compliance and provide immediate recourse for affected families, the Assam government will launch a dedicated 24×7 toll-free helpline (104). This helpline will serve as a crucial lifeline for individuals to report any instances of hospitals delaying the release of bodies. The establishment of such a responsive mechanism is vital in the fight against unethical hospital practices, offering a direct channel for intervention.

Upon receiving a complaint, a multi-agency response system will be activated. The District Health Officer, local police, and the hospital’s internal grievance cell will all be required to act immediately to resolve the issue. This coordinated effort aims to swiftly address violations and enforce the new regulations, leaving no room for hospitals to circumvent the directive through bureaucratic delays or procedural loopholes. The emphasis on immediate action reflects the government’s understanding of the urgency involved in such sensitive situations.

Severe Penalties: Deterring Unethical Hospital Practices

The new directive is not merely a statement of intent; it is backed by severe penalties designed to act as a significant deterrent against unethical hospital practices. Hospitals found in violation of the two-hour release mandate could face the suspension of their licenses for a period ranging from three to six months. Furthermore, a hefty fine of up to ₹5 lakh will be imposed, serving as a substantial financial penalty for non-compliance.

For repeat offenders, the consequences will be even more dire. Hospitals that consistently disregard the directive may face permanent deregistration, effectively stripping them of their license to operate within the state. This escalating scale of penalties underscores the government’s resolve to bring an end to such practices, demonstrating that it will not tolerate any hospital engaging in what it deems to be unethical hospital practices. The aim is to instill a sense of accountability and ethical conduct within the private healthcare system.

Broader Regulatory Framework: Addressing the Root of Unethical Hospital Practices

Beyond the immediate issue of body retention, the cabinet has also approved comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and regulatory measures to prevent other coercive practices by private nursing homes. This broader framework signifies a systemic approach to reforming the private healthcare sector and tackling the various facets of unethical hospital practices.

Under these new regulations, all incidents involving coercive practices must be reported to both the police and district health authorities within four hours. This mandatory reporting requirement aims to increase transparency, track violations, and enable prompt investigative action. By formalizing the reporting process, the government seeks to create an environment where unethical hospital practices cannot thrive unpunished. The overarching goal is to foster a more patient-centric healthcare environment where rights are respected and services are delivered with integrity and empathy. This comprehensive overhaul is a testament to the government’s dedication to ensuring a fair and just healthcare system for all its citizens.