Assam Sets Two-Hour Dead Body Release Rule, Launches 24×7 Helpline
Approved SOPs set fines up to ₹5 lakh, impose licence suspensions, require incident reports within four hours to police, district health authorities
Overview
- Private hospitals and nursing homes must hand over deceased bodies within two hours of death certification regardless of unpaid bills.
- A 24×7 toll-free helpline (104) is now active to allow families to report any refusal to release bodies.
- Institutions that delay body release must be reported to local police and district health authorities within four hours of the incident.
- Violations carry penalties including ₹5 lakh fines, licence suspension for three to six months, and permanent deregistration for repeat offences.
- Enforcement of the new guidelines begins on August 1, prompting hospitals to revise billing and discharge procedures.