Amit Shah Unveils Major Healthcare Boost in Assam with Rs 2,092 Crore Projects
In a significant move just hours before the Election Commission announced the poll schedule, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for healthcare projects totaling Rs 2,092 crore in Assam. The event highlighted the state's advancements in medical infrastructure, with Shah praising Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's efforts to elevate Assam's healthcare system to match developed states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
Key Inaugurations and Foundation Stones
The centerpiece of the initiative was the inauguration of Pragjyotishpur Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) in Guwahati, built at a cost of Rs 675 crore. This marks Assam's 14th operational medical college, significantly expanding access to medical education and services. Shah also virtually opened the Golaghat Cancer Centre and Tinsukia Cancer Centre, constructed with an investment of Rs 270 crore, and inaugurated the Saraswatidevi Shibkishan Damani Academic Block at PMCH.
Additionally, foundation stones were laid for three super-speciality hospitals in Diphu, Jorhat, and Barpeta, with a combined cost of Rs 814 crore. Other projects include a Swasthya Bhawan in Guwahati's Six Mile area, costing Rs 218 crore, and the Abhayapuri District Hospital, to be built for Rs 115 crore. These developments aim to enhance specialized care and reduce the need for patients to travel outside the state.
Allegations Against Previous Congress Government
Shah strongly criticized the previous Congress-led administration, alleging widespread corruption in the health sector. He claimed that during 15 years of Congress rule, Rs 150 crore was siphoned off annually from Assam's health budget, which was then Rs 4,000 crore. Under the current government, the budget has been increased to Rs 9,000 crore, with measures to ensure funds reach the ground level effectively.
He further accused the Congress of fraudulent practices, such as showing treatments for 9 lakh non-existent children, spending on 390 anganwadis that were never built, and diverting nutrition funds meant for poor children into party coffers. Shah emphasized that these actions hindered healthcare progress, which has now been reversed under Sarma's leadership.
Advancements in Medical Education and Cancer Care
Shah highlighted Assam's growth in medical education, noting that the number of medical colleges has risen from 6 to 14, with plans for 10 more to reach a total of 24. Medical seats have increased from 726 to 1,825 across the existing colleges, boosting local talent and healthcare capacity.
In cancer care, Tata Trust has played a crucial role by establishing hospitals at 13 locations. Shah announced a groundbreaking development: Assam is set to become the first state in India to offer Proton Therapy in a government hospital, with an investment of Rs 400 crore. This advanced treatment technology will provide cutting-edge care without the need for patients to travel to cities like Chennai or Delhi.
Vision for Assam's Healthcare Future
The government's goal is to make Assam a self-sufficient healthcare hub where no patient requires treatment outside the state. Shah stated that this initiative will also benefit poor patients from Bengal and other northeastern regions, who can now access comprehensive care closer to home. By reducing dependency on major metropolitan centers, Assam aims to improve health outcomes and economic stability through enhanced medical services.
Shah concluded by reaffirming the commitment to transparency and development, contrasting it with the alleged mismanagement of the past. With these projects, Assam is poised to set a new benchmark in public healthcare, aligning with national standards and fostering regional growth.
