Silchar: A major step toward strengthening Silchar’s healthcare infrastructure was marked on Tuesday with the foundation stone laying ceremony for a multi-utility hospital initiated by the Indian Red Cross Society, Silchar, under the Untied Fund for the year 2023–24.

The foundation stone was laid by Silchar MLA and Secretary of the Indian Red Cross Society, Silchar, Dipayan Chakraborty, who said the project would help expand and modernise healthcare facilities for the people of Cachar district and beyond.

The project, which began in 2021, has so far received Rs. 50 lakh twice — Rs. 50 lakh in the first phase and another Rs. 50 lakh in the second phase, making a total of Rs. 1 crore allocated by Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma. The second phase of construction is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, November 12.

Speaking at the event, MLA Dipayan Chakraborty said the work was progressing according to a detailed master plan. “Since it is not possible to finish all the work at a time, we are moving phase-by-phase,” he explained.

“The first floor will house the blood bank, the second floor will have the laboratory and office, and the third floor will include a conference hall. The hospital will undergo a drastic change in the next three months. The salary structure will also improve,” he added.

Chakraborty further stated that in addition to the Rs. 1 crore from the Chief Minister, the project has received Rs. 15.5 lakh from the MLA fund and Rs. 10 lakh from former MP Dr. Rajdeep Roy, with expectations of an additional Rs. 20 to Rs. 25 lakh soon.

He said the Red Cross Society in Silchar is on course to become a model of efficient and people-centric healthcare service. “Our goal is to build an institution that can serve the community in emergencies and provide reliable medical facilities throughout the year,” he remarked.

Indian Red Cross Society, Silchar, Chairman Girish Chandra Banerjee called the occasion “a red-letter day” for the organisation. “The foundation of this multi-utility hospital represents our continuing commitment to serve humanity with better infrastructure and broader medical outreach,” he said.

Prominent figures present at the event included Society Advisor and Eye Specialist Dr. H.K. Choudhury, Ratindranath Saha, Niloy Paul, Hirok Choudhury, Buddhadeb Choudhury, Piklu Das, and other distinguished members of the local community.

The upcoming facility is expected to play a key role in expanding the Red Cross Society’s capacity in Silchar, providing vital medical support and strengthening healthcare delivery across the region.