In a significant development, the Assam state government announced during a Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday that it has decided to make a substantial investment of at least Rs. 135 crore in the Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF). The primary objective of this substantial investment is to facilitate the construction of ten state-of-the-art cancer hospitals, each aimed at providing critical healthcare services to the people of Assam.
The ambitious project is planned in two phases. In the initial phase, three cancer hospitals will be constructed, while the second phase will witness the development of an additional seven such healthcare facilities. These hospitals will serve as essential healthcare hubs, offering comprehensive cancer care services to the local population. For the first phase, the construction of three hospitals is underway in Silchar, Guwahati, and Diphu. The estimated cost for these initial three hospitals is approximately Rs. 135 crore, which will be funded and disbursed by the state government. This financial commitment underscores the government’s dedication to improving the healthcare infrastructure and services in the region, with a specific focus on cancer treatment and care.
The second phase of this commendable project aims to establish seven more cancer hospitals across various districts in Assam. These hospitals will be strategically located in Dhubri, Nalbari, Goalpara, Golaghat, Nagaon, Sivasagar, and Tinsukia. This expansion of cancer care facilities will play a pivotal role in ensuring better access to advanced healthcare services for individuals residing in different parts of the state.
Jayanta Malla Baruah, the state minister for tourism, expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact. He highlighted that once completed, the ten cancer hospitals will generate a significant number of employment opportunities, with an estimated minimum of 8,000 jobs. This not only underscores the project’s commitment to healthcare but also its potential to boost the local economy by creating jobs and promoting economic growth.
In addition to the substantial investment in cancer care, the council of ministers has also taken steps to address the healthcare needs of the impoverished population in the state. The government has resolved to disburse Rs. 133 crore under the “Free Drugs and Consumables for Government Hospitals” initiative. This program is aimed at providing essential medications and healthcare supplies, including those required by Tea Garden Hospitals, to ensure that even the most vulnerable and underserved communities have access to vital healthcare resources. The Assam state government’s decision to invest Rs. 135 crore in the Assam Cancer Care Foundation for the construction of ten cancer hospitals marks a significant step toward improving healthcare services in the region. The project’s two-phase approach, job creation prospects, and the commitment to providing free drugs and consumables highlight the government’s dedication to enhancing the overall well-being of the people of Assam.