Assam Govt Upholds Dignity in Death, Mandates Private Hospitals to Release Bodies Within Two Hours

The Assam government has rolled out a new rule requiring private hospitals to hand over the bodies of deceased patients to their families within two hours of death certification—no matter if bills are unpaid.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the move after growing complaints about hospitals holding bodies until dues were cleared, a practice he slammed as “inhuman” and “a violation of dignity.”

Under the new policy, hospitals that break this rule could face a license suspension for up to six months and a fine of ₹5 lakh. Repeat offenders risk losing their license permanently.

The government is also setting up a 24-hour toll-free helpline (104), which will be used to enforce the rule. If a hospital won't release a body, families can call. Authorities, including the police and the District Health Officer, must take prompt action to guarantee the body's release and, if necessary, pursue legal action against the hospital.

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