Amit Shah Launches Major Healthcare Projects in Assam, Says State Emerging as Northeast’s Medical Hub

Guwahati: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday inaugurated several major healthcare and infrastructure projects of the Assam government in Guwahati, highlighting the rapid transformation of the state’s medical sector over the past decade. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and other senior officials were present during the event.

Addressing the gathering, Shah said the development initiatives marked a significant milestone not only for Assam but also for the entire Northeast region. He noted that healthcare facilities across the Northeast were once considered inadequate, but the situation has changed significantly due to consistent policy efforts and investment.

The Union Home Minister credited the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for strengthening the healthcare system and expanding medical education in the state. According to Shah, the government has prioritized building modern hospitals and medical colleges so that even students from economically weaker sections can pursue medical studies.

Shah highlighted that Assam is on track to become the first state in India to provide Proton Cancer Therapy in a government hospital, describing the facility as one of the most advanced cancer treatment technologies in the world. The project, expected to cost around ₹400 crore, will greatly strengthen cancer care in the region.

Recalling discussions with the late industrialist Ratan Tata, Shah said he had once raised concerns about long waiting lists for cancer treatment at Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences. He noted that Tata Trusts later helped establish cancer hospitals at several key locations across the country to address this issue.

During the event, multiple healthcare institutions were inaugurated, including the Pragjyotishpur Medical College and Hospital built at a cost of ₹675 crore. Other projects included the Golaghat and Tinsukia Cancer Centres, Diphu Medical College and Hospital, Barpeta Medical College and Hospital, and Jorhat Medical College and Hospital. Foundation stones were also laid for the Six Mile Swasthya Bhavan and the Abhayapuri District Hospital.

Shah said these projects would significantly expand treatment options for patients in Assam, reducing the need to travel to cities such as Chennai, Mumbai, or Delhi for advanced medical care.

He also highlighted the rapid growth in medical education in the state. According to him, the number of medical colleges in Assam has increased from six earlier to fourteen currently, with ten more planned, taking the total to twenty-four in the coming years. Similarly, MBBS seats have increased from 726 to over 1,800.

The Union Home Minister said the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi increased Assam’s healthcare budget from ₹4,000 crore to ₹9,000 crore and ensured better implementation at the grassroots level.

Shah further stated that cancer care infrastructure in the state has expanded significantly, with the number of specialized cancer hospitals rising from two to seventeen. He also mentioned that welfare schemes such as Ayushman Bharat Yojana and state initiatives have improved access to health insurance for citizens.

Speaking about broader economic development, Shah said Assam is also emerging as a technology and manufacturing hub. He pointed out that a semiconductor plant worth ₹27,000 crore is being established in the state, which will open new opportunities for young professionals.

The Home Minister also referred to the global AI summit recently hosted by India and criticized opposition protests during the event, stating that political demonstrations at an international platform could harm the country’s image.

Shah concluded by saying the government’s goal is to ensure that no patient from Assam needs to leave the state for treatment and that the region can become a healthcare destination for people from neighboring states as well.