Cachar: Infant Born With Rare Deformity Resembling Two Heads, Appeals CM’s Assistance

A newborn girl with a rare birth deformity — appearing to have two heads — was born at a private hospital near Kathal Point in Silchar on July 1. The child’s medical reports diagnose the condition as meningoencephalocele, a major congenital malformation where brain tissue protrudes through a defect in the skull.

The baby’s father, Makbul Hussain Choudhury, a daily wage mason from Dholai constituency in Cachar, is now facing both medical and financial distress. After delivery, doctors referred the case to Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) for specialised treatment.

“We reached Guwahati on July 22 for the second time after her birth. When we went for the MRI, they said it could not be done because the specialised oxygen system for newborns was not functioning. They told us it’s been 20–25 days since the machine has been out of order. Now they’ve given us a new date — August 25 — and discharged us,” Makbul told the media.

The baby was admitted to GMCH with the hope of timely diagnosis and intervention. However, due to the technical failure of the neonatal MRI oxygen support system, the crucial scan could not be conducted.

“This morning (July 25) they gave us the new date. We are four people here, and even a single meal costs Rs. 500 to 600. I am just a mason and currently going through a severe financial crisis,” he said, expressing his helplessness.

Makbul further added that prior to travelling to Guwahati, they had approached doctors in Silchar, but most of them were reluctant to take up the case due to its complexity and hence they didn’t choose Silchar Medical College and Hospital as an option.

While local MLA Nihar Ranjan Das offered minor financial support for the journey, Makbul has now appealed to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to personally intervene and ensure proper treatment for his daughter.

The case has sparked serious concerns over the preparedness of premier government hospitals like GMCH to handle rare and critical cases involving newborns. Why a key piece of equipment like the neonatal MRI oxygen system has remained unfixed for nearly a month is now a question in the public eye.