Assam Expands Cancer Care Network with New Hospitals

Assam has significantly expanded its cancer care network, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announcing that the state now operates two cancer hospitals, with plans for a total of 17 facilities. This initiative positions Assam as a leader in government-funded cancer care in India. The announcement coincided with the virtual inauguration of new treatment centres in Golaghat and Tinsukia by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The initiative falls under the Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF), a collaboration between the Assam government and Tata Trusts. Currently, 12 of the planned cancer hospitals are operational, and the newly opened centres were developed at a cost of Rs 135 crore each. Sarma emphasized the ambition behind the project, recalling discussions with Ratan Tata regarding the establishment of cancer hospitals across the North East.

“Assam then dreamt a bigger dream,” Sarma said. “We signed an MoU stating that the Assam Government will contribute 50% and Tata Trusts will cover the remaining 50% to build 17 cancer hospitals in the entire state. Today, we have 12 operational hospitals, with two more inaugurated by the Home Minister.” He added that the remaining three hospitals will soon complete their vision for comprehensive cancer care in Assam.

Healthcare Infrastructure Expansion

In addition to the cancer centres, Amit Shah inaugurated the newly constructed Pragjyotishpur Medical College & Hospital in Guwahati. He also laid the foundation stones for super-speciality hospitals in Diphu, Jorhat, and Barpeta. These developments signify a broader effort to enhance healthcare infrastructure across the state.

Shah commended Sarma’s commitment to making Assam a self-sufficient health care hub. “He has made Assam self-sufficient in the health sector even before the end of his term,” Shah remarked. The Home Minister expressed his vision of a state where local patients, including those from Bengal and the broader North East region, can receive high-quality treatment without the need to travel to other states such as Chennai, Mumbai, Karnataka, or Delhi.

The expansion of the cancer care network and the broader healthcare initiatives aim to improve access to essential medical services for the residents of Assam. It highlights a strategic investment in health infrastructure, aiming not only to cater to local needs but also to attract patients from neighboring regions seeking cancer treatment closer to home.

As Assam continues to develop its healthcare capabilities, the vision outlined by both Sarma and Shah underscores a significant shift towards enhancing medical services and ensuring that essential care is available to those who need it most.