Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Orders Hospitals to Release Dead Bodies Within 2 Hours of Issuing Death Certificate, Regardless of Pending Bills; INR 5 Lakh Fine, Licence Suspension for Violators (Watch Video)
In a major step to uphold human dignity, the Assam cabinet has mandated private hospitals to release deceased patients’ bodies within two hours of death certification, regardless of bill payment status. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the decision after reports surfaced of hospitals holding bodies for 3–4 days to pressure families for payments.
In a major step to uphold human dignity, the Assam cabinet has mandated private hospitals to release deceased patients’ bodies within two hours of death certification, regardless of bill payment status. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the decision after reports surfaced of hospitals holding bodies for 3–4 days to pressure families for payments. Violators will face licence suspension for 3 to 6 months and a fine of INR 5 lakh. Repeat offenders risk permanent blacklisting and licence cancellation. Hospitals must also inform police and district health officials within 4 hours. A 24x7 helpline will help families report such incidents, prompting immediate intervention and legal action against coercive institutions. Kaziranga National Park Expansion Approved: Assam Cabinet Adds 47,000 Hectares to Boost Wildlife Conservation and Eco-Tourism.
Assam Cracks Down on Private Hospitals Holding Dead Bodies Over Unpaid Bills
The #AssamCabinet has decided that no nursing home or hospital in the state can hold a dead body "hostage" over unpaid bills. pic.twitter.com/mQYjKxpAMM
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 10, 2025
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 11, 2025 09:51 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
