The Union Home Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of healthcare projects worth ₹2,092 crore in Assam, highlighting improvements in medical education, cancer care, and public health infrastructure.

Key Healthcare Infrastructure Projects

1. Pragjyotishpur Medical College & Hospital

• Pragjyotishpur Medical College and Hospital was inaugurated with an investment of ₹675 crore.
• It will enhance medical education, research, and treatment facilities in the state.

2. Expansion of Cancer Care Facilities

Two new cancer hospitals were inaugurated under the Assam Cancer Care Foundation:

• Golaghat Cancer Centre – ₹135 crore
• Tinsukia Cancer Centre – ₹135 crore

These centres operate under a public–private partnership model, spearheaded by the Assam Government with support from philanthropic institutions, to expand affordable cancer treatment in Northeast India.

3. Super-Speciality Hospital Projects

Foundation stones were laid for new super-speciality hospitals:

• Diphu Medical College & Hospital – ₹220 crore
• Jorhat Medical College and Hospital – ₹310 crore
• Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital – ₹284 crore

Other infrastructure projects include Swasthya Bhawan in Guwahati (₹218 crore) and Abhayapuri District Hospital (₹115 crore).

Progress in Assam’s Healthcare Sector

Over the last decade, the state has witnessed significant improvements:

• Medical colleges increased from 6 to 14, with 10 more under construction.
• MBBS seats increased from 726 to 1,850.
• Cancer hospitals increased from 2 to 17 across Assam.
• Health budget increased from ₹4,000 crore to ₹9,000 crore.

Public Health Outcomes

• Maternal Mortality Ratio reduced from 304 to 105.
• Infant Mortality Rate reduced from 54 to 30.
• Institutional deliveries reached 98 percent.
• Around 92 percent of the population is covered under government health insurance schemes such as Ayushman Bharat.

Future Healthcare Innovation

Assam plans to introduce proton therapy for cancer treatment, a highly advanced radiation therapy technology.

• Proposed cost: ₹400 crore.
• Assam could become the first Indian state to provide proton therapy in a government hospital.

Significance

• Strengthens healthcare access in Northeast India.
• Expands medical education and research capacity.
• Reduces medical migration to other states.
• Supports the goal of universal health coverage in India.

Exam Hook

Consider the following statements:

1. The Assam Cancer Care Foundation aims to expand cancer treatment infrastructure in the state.
2. Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation therapy used in cancer treatment.
3. Ayushman Bharat is a national scheme that provides health insurance coverage to eligible families.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) 1 and 3 only

Answer: (c)

One-line Wrap:
Assam’s expanding medical colleges, cancer care network, and advanced treatment facilities signal a major transformation in healthcare infrastructure and access in Northeast India.

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