Assam's Ambitious Healthcare Expansion: One Medical College in Every District by 2030
Strengthening Healthcare in Assam
Guwahati, March 15: Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has unveiled plans to enhance the state's healthcare system and medical education, aiming to establish a medical college in each district by the year 2030.
During the inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony for various health infrastructure projects on Sunday, Sarma highlighted that Assam currently boasts 15 medical colleges, with an additional 10 hospitals under construction at a projected cost of ₹6,000 crore.
Sarma expressed confidence that the goal of having medical colleges in every district will be achieved by 2030.
He noted that the completion of these new institutions will significantly increase the number of MBBS seats in Assam, projecting a rise to approximately 5,000 from the current 2,000.
The Chief Minister also announced that a new medical college in Bongaigaon is set to commence operations next year. He mentioned that Assam currently has 12 cancer hospitals, with two more ready to open, and the vision will be fulfilled once three additional hospitals are established.
Sarma emphasized that few other states have such a high number of government-funded cancer hospitals.
The state government is collaborating with Tata Trusts to develop a comprehensive network of cancer hospitals.
He recalled that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, industrialist Ratan Tata visited Assam alongside Shah to discuss the establishment of cancer hospitals throughout the Northeast.
Following this, Assam signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Trusts, adopting a 50:50 funding model to create a network of 17 cancer hospitals equipped with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical facilities.
Additionally, the Chief Minister announced the finalization of a tender for a proton beam therapy machine at the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital, which represents one of the most advanced technologies in radiation therapy.
This facility, the largest radiotherapy equipment in India, is expected to cost between ₹400–500 crore, with the tender process nearing completion, aiming to position Assam as a key destination for cancer treatment.
Sarma noted that the enhancement of health infrastructure has led to a marked decrease in maternal and infant mortality rates in the state.
He stated, "Patients now benefit from free dialysis and complimentary treatment for pediatric patients. Our goal is to transform Assam into a model state in healthcare."
The Chief Minister also mentioned the significant growth in nursing education and paramedical training, resulting in a steady increase in the number of nurses and allied health professionals.
In his address, Sarma referred to the return of Indian medical students from abroad during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, which underscored the shortage of medical seats in the country.
He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi subsequently announced a plan to create one lakh MBBS seats across the nation.
Sarma remarked, "In line with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for one lakh medical seats, Radhakishan Damani ji expressed a desire to contribute to Assam," highlighting that the academic building of the newly established Pragjyotishpur Medical College was funded by the Damani family following an MoU signed in 2022.
The newly inaugurated Pragjyotishpur Medical College features 505 beds, including 46 ICU beds, and has already received recognition from the National Medical Commission.
With this new institution's inauguration, Guwahati now has three medical colleges: Guwahati Medical College and Hospital, Pragjyotishpur Medical College, and ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati.