Guwahati: On October 15, 2023, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya laid the foundation stone and inaugurated several health infrastructure projects in Assam under the Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), National Health Mission (NHM), and XV Finance Commission Health Grants.
He said the emphasis was on ensuring accessible and affordable health care for all people.
“Health care is important for a nation’s progress. If citizens are healthy, only then a country will be healthy,” Mandaviya said.
He also urged the citizens to fulfil their responsibilities towards the country to ensure that India becomes a developed nation by 2047.
Expressing happiness at the progress in healthcare infrastructure in Assam, the Union Health minister said the foundation for a big project in this sector will be laid soon.
Among the projects inaugurated by the minister is a 50-bed critical care block in Lakhimpur Medical College and five block primary health units in as many places.
An integrated laboratory in Nagaon and a community health centre in Dibrugarh were also opened by the Union Health minister.
He also laid the foundation for four sub-division hospitals and four community health centres.
Projects worth about Rs 120 crores were inaugurated in Assam.
Dr. Mandaviya commemorated the initiatives undertaken in Assam applauding the growth of medical, dental and nursing colleges he stated “this ceremony will mark a crucial milestone in the ongoing efforts of the government towards strengthening our healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that quality healthcare reaches every citizen of our nation, even in the most critical times.” The list of projects are provided below:
Foundation Stone laying for:
- 50 Bedded Critical Care Block at Lakhimpur Medical College under PM-ABHIM
- Block Primary Health Unit at Baithalangso BPHC under PM-ABHIM
- Block Primary Health Unit at Harinagar BPHC under PM-ABHIM
- Block Primary Health Unit at North Guwahati PHC under PM-ABHIM
- Block Primary Health Unit at Saphekhati BPHC under PM-ABHIM
- Block Primary Health Unit at Suakuchi BPHC under PM-ABHIM
- Integrated Public Health Laboratory at Jakhalabandha SDHC under PM-ABHIM
- Sasoni Community Health Centre under XV-FC Health Grants
Inauguation of Projects:
- Upgradation of Bhetagaon CHC to Bijni SDCH
- Community Health Centre and Residential Quarters at Chenga, Barpeta District
- Upgradation of 100 Bedded RNB Gossaiagaon SDCH
- Community Health Centre and Residential Quarters at Nityanandpur, Hailakandi District
- Community Health Centre and Residential Quarters at Haluwating, Sivasagar District
- Community Health Centre and Residential Quarters at Nasatra, Barpeta District
- Upgradation of Tamulpur BPHC to SDCH
- Strengthening of Titabor SDCH
Dr. Mandaviya also engaged in a vibrant Q&A session with the audience towards the end of the session.
Ms. L.S Changsen, AS & MD, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, Shri Avinash Joshi, State Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Assam, government officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. M.S. Lakshmi Priya, Mission Director, NHM Assam, Representatives from AIIMS, IIT Guwahati were present at the event. Several Member of Legislative Assembly and Members of Parliament joined the event through virtual mode.