Assam's New Cancer Hospital: A Beacon of Hope for Advanced Treatment

The Assam government, in partnership with the Tata Group, has launched a state-of-the-art cancer hospital, offering comprehensive medical services and advanced treatment options for patients battling critical ailments.

In a significant step towards enhancing healthcare infrastructure, the Assam government has inaugurated a state-of-the-art cancer hospital in Guwahati. Developed in partnership with the renowned Tata Group at a cost of nearly Rs 400 crore, the new facility aims to provide advanced treatment to patients battling critical ailments.

Dedication Ceremony and Project Highlights

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma graced the inauguration ceremony held on Saturday, March 2, 2023. During the event, he dedicated the State Cancer Institute (SCI) along with the extended emergency department at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) to the people of Assam. The SCI forms an integral part of the state government's Vikash Yatra initiative, under which projects worth Rs 661.03 crore were inaugurated or initiated in the Kamrup Metropolitan district.

Advanced Medical Services at SCI

The SCI is poised to transform cancer care in the region by offering a comprehensive range of medical services. Equipped with 350 beds, the institute will provide specialized treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy, robotic surgery, nuclear medicine, bone marrow transplant, academics, and research. Additionally, it boasts advanced diagnostic facilities, including MRI, CT, mammography, digital X-ray, endoscopy, laboratory, and blood bank.

Collaboration with Tata Trusts and Expansion Plans

Chief Minister Sarma highlighted the collaboration with Tata Trusts, which began with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on February 3, 2018, with the aim of creating an advanced cancer care system in the state. To execute the project, a special purpose vehicle called Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF) was established. The project encompasses an apex referral center at SCI (L1), five comprehensive cancer care centers (L2s) in various cities, and 11 diagnostic and day care clinics (L3s) across the state.

Prime Minister's Inauguration and Investment in Cancer Care

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously inaugurated seven hospitals in Assam, located in Dibrugarh, Barpeta, Lakhimpur, Tezpur, Jorhat, Darrang, and Kokrajhar, in April 2022. The state government, with an investment exceeding Rs 3,600 crore, is committed to building a robust cancer care network in Assam. This network will offer advanced treatment options, including proton beam therapy, to patients from the region and beyond.

PET-CT Machine at Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute

In another significant development, Chief Minister Sarma dedicated a PET-CT machine to the Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI) in Guwahati. This project, with a cost of Rs 13.14 crore, is expected to benefit approximately 2,000 patients annually. The state government, in collaboration with the central government, is working towards transforming BBCI into a center of excellence, providing cutting-edge treatment facilities to patients within the state.

Direct Benefit Transfer for Individual Toilets

During the same event, the chief minister initiated the direct benefit transfer of Rs 9,000 each to one lakh households for the construction of individual toilets under the Swachh Bharat Mission in Assam. This initiative aims to improve sanitation and hygiene conditions in the state.

Additional Project Inaugurations and Foundation Stone Laying

The inauguration ceremony also witnessed the opening of several other projects, including Kar Bhawan, a night shelter for building and construction workers, and the expanded Purabi Dairy Plant. Additionally, the foundation stone was laid for the Umananda Modular Terminal-IWT at Umananda Ghat and a patient guest house at GMCH for the Tea Tribes community.

The inauguration of the new cancer hospital and other healthcare projects marks a significant milestone in Assam's healthcare infrastructure development. These initiatives demonstrate the state government's commitment to providing advanced medical facilities and improving the overall health and well-being of its citizens.