Guwahati, March 15: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday launched a series of major healthcare initiatives in Assam, inaugurating and laying foundation stones for projects worth more than ₹2,000 crore. The key highlight of the programme was the dedication of the Pragjyotishpur Medical College & Hospital in Guwahati, a project aimed at strengthening medical education and healthcare services in the state.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared the development through a series of posts on social media platform X, describing the inauguration as another significant step forward for Assam’s healthcare sector.
Pragjyotishpur Medical College Dedicated to the People
The Pragjyotishpur Medical College & Hospital, constructed at an estimated cost of ₹675 crore, has now been officially dedicated to the public by Amit Shah. The institution will serve as Guwahati’s second medical college and the 14th operational medical college in Assam.
The new medical college is expected to expand opportunities for medical education while improving access to advanced healthcare facilities for residents of Guwahati and nearby districts.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated on X that the project marks “another leap in Assam’s healthcare sector,” emphasizing the government’s continued focus on strengthening the public health system.
Cancer Centres Inaugurated in Golaghat and Tinsukia
During the programme, Amit Shah also virtually inaugurated two cancer treatment centres located in Golaghat and Tinsukia. Each centre has been established with an investment of approximately ₹135 crore under the Assam Cancer Care Foundation.
These centres are expected to significantly improve cancer diagnosis and treatment facilities in the region and reduce the need for patients to travel outside the state for specialized care.
Foundation Stones for Super-Speciality Hospitals
The Union Home Minister also laid the foundation stones for super-speciality hospital facilities at three government medical colleges in the state.
The projects include:
- A super-speciality hospital in Diphu Medical College estimated to cost ₹220 crore
- A super-speciality hospital at Jorhat Medical College with a projected investment of ₹310 crore
- A super-speciality hospital at Barpeta Medical College expected to cost ₹284 crore
These facilities aim to provide advanced medical services, including specialised treatments that are currently limited in many parts of the state.
New Swasthya Bhawan and District Hospital Announced
As part of the healthcare expansion plan, Amit Shah also laid the foundation stone for a new Swasthya Bhawan in Guwahati, which will serve as a key administrative centre for the state’s health department. The building will be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹218 crore.
In addition, a new district hospital in Abhayapuri will be built with a proposed investment of ₹115 crore, further strengthening healthcare services in the region.
Government Highlights “Double Engine” Development
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted that Assam’s healthcare sector has witnessed rapid development under the “double engine government,” referring to the collaboration between the state and the central governments.
He noted that multiple medical colleges, hospitals and healthcare facilities have been established across the state in recent years, significantly improving access to medical services.
Amit Shah’s Visit to Assam
Amit Shah arrived in Assam on Saturday evening for a two-day visit. His current trip marks his fourth visit to the state in the last four months, reflecting the central government’s continued focus on development projects in the region.
The series of healthcare initiatives launched during the visit are expected to further strengthen Assam’s medical infrastructure and improve healthcare delivery for millions of people across the state.
