CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Outlines Roadmap to Make Assam India's Healthcare Hub
Advertisement
The planned expansion of Gauhati Medical College, Pragjyotishpur Medical College, Mahendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital, and associated institutions is projected to add more than 5,000 hospital beds by 2031.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has unveiled a roadmap focusing on strengthening healthcare infrastructure, medical education, research, and workforce development while building an integrated healthcare ecosystem across the state aimed at transforming Assam into India’s next healthcare hub.
Sharing on social media, the CM stated that Assam is witnessing a significant expansion of its healthcare infrastructure, with Guwahati emerging as a key center for advanced clinical care, medical education, biomedical research, and healthcare innovation.
Reflecting on recent visits to healthcare projects, Himanta Biswa Sarma stated, “Over the past week, I reviewed the progress of several key healthcare institutions that are collectively shaping this transformation. These visits reaffirmed my belief that Assam is no longer merely strengthening its healthcare system. We are building an integrated healthcare economy with Guwahati at its centre.”
A central element of this transformation is the Hub-and-Spoke model. Under this framework, Guwahati is being developed as a hub for specialised treatment, advanced medical education, and research, while a network of medical colleges and district hospitals across Assam is expected to expand access to healthcare services throughout the state.
The CM also noted that the planned expansion of Gauhati Medical College, Pragjyotishpur Medical College, Mahendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital, and associated institutions is projected to add more than 5,000 hospital beds by 2031. Together with the State Cancer Institute and AIIMS Guwahati, these facilities are expected to strengthen the region's capacity for critical and specialised care.
The latest development follows the CM’s recent announcement of the state's healthcare infrastructure initiatives, including the INR 4,382 crore redevelopment plan for Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) and the ongoing INR 1,000 crore upgrade of Mahendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital into an 800-bed facility.
In addition, the CM highlighted the state's healthcare strategy focused on research and innovation. Institutions such as the Assam Advanced Healthcare Innovation Institute (AAHII), being established in collaboration with IIT Guwahati, are expected to support medical research, healthcare technology development, digital health initiatives, and workforce training.
Underscoring the role of public-private partnerships in expanding healthcare capacity, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “Alongside sustained public investment, Assam is actively engaging leading private healthcare providers to expand high-quality care in the State. The presence of Apollo Hospitals and the growing interest of institutions such as Medanta reflect increasing confidence in Assam's healthcare potential. Our objective is to create an ecosystem where public and private institutions complement one another to raise standards of care, expand capacity, and generate employment.”
In addition, the state government is pursuing plans to establish a medical college in every district to expand healthcare access and strengthen medical education.
Alongside district medical colleges, plans are also underway to establish nursing colleges and expand training for paramedics and allied healthcare professionals, aimed at building a larger and more diverse healthcare workforce to meet future demand.
Further, the CM noted that beyond healthcare delivery, improved connectivity, expanded specialised services, and strengthened medical infrastructure are also expected to support the growth of medical tourism and related industries, creating new opportunities for employment and investment.
Stay tuned for more such updates on Digital Health News
