Guwahati, May 29, 2026: Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the Health & Family Welfare Department at Lok Sewa Bhawan, focusing on strengthening the state's healthcare ecosystem and ensuring quality healthcare access for all citizens.
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| Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma reviews healthcare priorities, including IMR reduction and MBBS doctor deployment in Tea Garden Hospitals. (Photo: CMO Assam) |
A key focus of the meeting was the government's target of bringing Assam's Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) below the national average by 2029. The Chief Minister reviewed ongoing maternal and child healthcare initiatives and directed officials to intensify efforts to improve healthcare outcomes across the state.
The meeting also placed significant emphasis on strengthening healthcare services in tea garden areas. Dr. Sarma directed officials to improve Tea Garden Hospitals through the deployment of MBBS doctors and the upgrading of medical infrastructure and facilities to ensure better healthcare access for tea garden workers and their families.
Officials reviewed the status of healthcare manpower across the state, with discussions focusing on streamlining promotions and addressing workforce shortages in the health sector to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.
The Chief Minister also assessed efforts to strengthen vaccination programmes, expand free diagnostic services, and enhance the effectiveness of the state's 108 emergency ambulance service. These initiatives are aimed at improving accessibility and timely delivery of healthcare services, particularly in rural and remote areas.
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In addition, the meeting reviewed the progress of several flagship health programmes, including Snehsparsha, a scheme supporting children with congenital heart diseases; TB Mukta Bharat, the national tuberculosis elimination campaign; and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), which seeks to digitise healthcare records and improve service integration.
The review forms part of the Assam government's broader strategy to strengthen public health infrastructure, improve healthcare accessibility, reduce mortality rates, and ensure that quality healthcare services reach every section of society, including vulnerable and underserved communities.
