Guwahati, February 1: Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday announced a major expansion of the state's healthcare infrastructure by laying the foundation stone for a new building of Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), to be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹3,300 crore. On the same occasion, he also inaugurated a new 832-bed Mother and Child Hospital, marking a significant milestone in strengthening maternal and child healthcare services in Assam.
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| New 832-Bed Mother & Child Hospital at GMCH Inaugurated by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma |
Describing the twin initiatives as a "giant leap in healthcare," the Chief Minister said the projects would transform GMCH into one of India's largest and most advanced medical institutions while significantly improving access to quality healthcare for people across Assam and the Northeast.
The newly inaugurated Mother and Child Hospital has been established to provide specialised medical care for women, newborns, and children. Equipped with modern healthcare facilities and advanced medical infrastructure, the hospital is expected to play a vital role in reducing the state's Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) by ensuring better access to specialised maternal and neonatal services.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sarma noted that Guwahati Medical College and Hospital, established in 1960, has served as Assam's premier tertiary healthcare institution for over six decades. The proposed ₹3,300-crore redevelopment project will comprehensively upgrade the institution with modern buildings, expanded patient care facilities, cutting-edge medical technology, and enhanced teaching and research infrastructure.
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Officials said the new GMCH complex is envisioned as a world-class medical institution capable of meeting the growing healthcare needs of the region. The expanded campus will strengthen both medical education and specialised treatment, benefiting thousands of patients who travel to Guwahati from different parts of Northeast India.
The Chief Minister reiterated the Assam Government's commitment to transforming the state's healthcare system through sustained investments in hospitals, medical colleges, and specialised healthcare facilities. He said strengthening tertiary healthcare infrastructure remains a key priority for ensuring accessible, affordable, and high-quality medical services.
Officials described the foundation-laying and inauguration as a historic moment for Assam's health sector, stating that the projects will enhance patient care, support advanced medical research, expand training opportunities for future healthcare professionals, and reinforce Assam's position as a leading healthcare hub in Northeast India.
