MBBS seats at Assam Medical College & Hospital to be increased to 250
Chief Minister lays foundation stone for construction of faculty and staff quarters and student hostels at an estimated cost of Rs. 357 crores
Assam poised to become a centre for medical education and health tourism: CM
Chief Minister urges focus on quality medical education in the coming decade
In a significant move to augment infrastructure for faculty, staff, and students, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the foundation stone for new residential facilities at Assam Medical College & Hospital today. The project, to be developed over 74 bighas at an estimated cost of Rs. 357 crores, would comprise accommodation for the Vice-Principal, Medical Superintendent, faculty members, and third- and fourth-year students, including those pursuing MBBS, postgraduate, and GNM courses. This initiative forms part of a broader infrastructural enhancement plan approved by the State Cabinet on 18 July.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Sarma recalled that during 2006–07, Assam faced an acute shortage of medical professionals. However, he noted that the establishment of new medical colleges since 2011 has significantly bridged this gap. He stated that by 2035, the state is expected to have 30 functional government medical colleges. In addition, applications from private entities have been received, though permission for such institutions would be granted only after the proposed government colleges become operational. As a result, Assam is expected to have over 60 medical colleges – both public and private – by 2035.
Highlighting recent developments, the Chief Minister stated that 500 doctors have already been appointed to the health department this year. He said that, by 2030, medical colleges in the state should be producing at least 1,500 MBBS graduates annually, which would also alleviate the shortage of postgraduate-qualified doctors. With enhanced infrastructure and academic facilities, Assam is poised to be recognised as a state with a competent medical workforce by 2035, and is likely to emerge as a centre for both medical education and health tourism. He mentioned that private players have expressed interest in healthcare ventures in Assam: the Medanta Group has proposed a 1,000-bed nursing home with a five-star hotel in Guwahati, while the Ambuja Neotia Group has plans to develop a 500-bed hospital and a luxury hotel in Borjhar. He expressed confidence that the state could become a global supplier of medical professionals.
Referring to the CM-FLIGHT initiative approved by the Cabinet, Dr. Sarma informed that the state government has begun offering foreign language training to nursing students and other professionals. He remarked that nurses employed abroad – such as in Japan and Singapore – are earning between Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 2.5 lakh per month, and that discussions are underway with the United Arab Emirates for similar opportunities. He added that medical graduates and postgraduates from Assam may also be able to access international employment opportunities, provided educational standards are consistently upheld. Citing global interest following the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit, he stated that Japan and South Korea have expressed intent to collaborate with Assam in the medical sector. He further observed that while Assam’s infant and maternal mortality rates are currently lower than the national average, sustained efforts are still required to ensure improved quality of healthcare delivery.
Addressing faculty, doctors, and students, Chief Minister urged Assam Medical College & Hospital to keep pace with contemporary trends and evolve into a premier institution for quality medical education. He acknowledged the historic role of the institution as the sole provider of medical education in Upper Assam but noted that recent establishments in Jorhat and Tinsukia, and ongoing construction in Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Golaghat, would help redistribute the patient load. Consequently, he suggested that the college reorient itself as a specialised referral hospital focusing on critical care.
Dr. Sarma also referred to the assurance he made during the college’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in November 2022 to build residential facilities for faculty, staff, and students. The current foundation-laying marks the first phase of that commitment, covering one-third of the total housing requirement. The subsequent phases would cater to the remaining housing needs, including those of the dental and BSc nursing colleges, with an estimated outlay of Rs. 1,000 crore. He also mentioned that work has commenced on the CT Hospital wing. Furthermore, he expressed hope that the institution, which currently offers 200 MBBS seats, would receive approval for an additional 50 seats in the present academic year.
The event was also attended by Minister of Medical Education & Research etc. Prasanta Phukan, Minister of Transport etc. Jogen Mohan, Minister of Industries & Commerce etc. Bimal Borah, MLAs Terash Gowalla, Chakradhar Gogoi, Binod Hazarika and Ponakan Baruah, Principal of Assam Medical College & Hospital Prof. Sanjeeb Kakati, and other dignitaries.
