GUWAHATI: The Assam government has announced that private hospitals will no longer be allowed to withhold the bodies of deceased patients over unpaid medical bills. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made the announcement on Thursday following a cabinet meeting, stating that hospitals must release bodies within two hours of death certification.

“There will be no withholding of bodies by private hospitals. They must hand over the body within two hours, irrespective of pending payment. Delay beyond this may attract penal action,” Sarma said.

To monitor compliance, a 24×7 toll-free helpline (104) will be launched to enable families to report delays. Complaints will be handled by the District Health Officer, local police, and the hospital’s grievance cell, who are required to act immediately.

Hospitals found violating the directive may face suspension of licence for three to six months and fines up to 5 lakh. Repeat violations could lead to permanent deregistration.

The cabinet also approved Standard Operating Procedures and regulatory measures to prevent coercive practices by private nursing homes. All such incidents must be reported to police and district health authorities within four hours.