Guwahati : Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday unveiled an ambitious roadmap to transform Assam’s healthcare sector, using the Bhumi Pujan ceremony of the new Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) building to outline the state’s vision for a technology-driven medical ecosystem.

Addressing doctors, students, and faculty, Sarma said GMCH will be completely overhauled to emerge as a state-of-the-art facility with 3,000 beds, super-specialty services, and advanced medical care. “In the coming years, the old buildings at Narakasur Pahar may be the only reminder of the past,” he said, stressing that the transformation is part of a larger push to align Assam with the Centre’s AI and digital infrastructure thrust highlighted in the Union Budget 2026-27.

The Chief Minister emphasised that medical technology and indigenous innovation will be key drivers of the state’s healthcare transformation. He announced prototypes of indigenously developed robotic surgical systems, which deliver global-grade performance at nearly one-fifth the cost of imported equipment. “These are made in India, made in Assam,” he said, highlighting the potential to make advanced technology more accessible for public hospitals.

In addition, Sarma showcased a locally developed MRI machine, costing around Rs 1.5 crore compared with imported systems priced at nearly Rs 16 crore. He stressed that such innovations could save foreign exchange, reduce dependency, and promote local manufacturing.

To build a robust med-tech ecosystem, the state government has partnered with IIT Guwahati, which is collaborating with AIIMS to drive healthcare innovation. Sarma said GMCH and other medical colleges in Jorhat, Silchar, and Dibrugarh, supported by JICA, will serve as hubs for research, start-ups, and technical incubation.

The Chief Minister also announced the establishment of Kanaklata University as an AI-focused institution, further reinforcing Assam’s push towards technology and innovation. “Innovation is the only way out. It will stop brain drain. I have complete faith in our youth,” he said.

Sarma urged a mindset shift among students and professionals, saying Assam’s medical colleges can become the largest hubs of innovation in the region. Citing IIT Guwahati-developed health kits supplied to Odisha, he underscored Assam’s growing technical credibility. “Why do we need new buildings? To change the mindset,” he said, calling for a revolution in thinking and practice.

Concluding the ceremony, the Chief Minister announced the inauguration of the Guwahati-North Guwahati bridge on February 14, citing it as an example of local technical capability. “At least at the technical level, our boys have occupied the field. It’s time for a new revolution in Assam. If we join hands, we can change things for good,” he said.

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