Modi Assam

Guwahati, April 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Assam on April 14, 2023, to dedicate and lay the foundation stone for projects worth around Rs 14,300 crore. The projects aim to enhance medical facilities, improve infrastructure, and stimulate development in the region.

Dedication of AIIMS Guwahati and Three Other Medical Colleges

At around 12:00 pm, Prime Minister Modi arrived at AIIMS Guwahati to inspect its newly built campus. During a public function held subsequently, he dedicated AIIMS Guwahati and three other medical colleges to the nation.

AIIMS Guwahati has already begun patient care services with 150 beds, with the hospital aiming to become fully functional with a capacity of 750 beds within the next three to four years. The hospital will offer high-quality patient care services in various specialities and super specialities, including cardiology, neurology, burns and plastic surgery, cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, and interventional radiology.

The objective behind establishing AIIMS Guwahati was to address regional imbalances in the availability of affordable and reliable tertiary healthcare services, augment facilities for quality medical education, and provide comprehensive, quality, and holistic tertiary care health services to the people of Assam and neighbouring states.

Apart from providing cancer care, advanced laparoscopy facilities, and trauma care, AIIMS Guwahati will also offer futuristic interventions like robotic surgery, organ transplantation, regenerative medicine, genetics, and simulation labs. At present, the institute has 199 MBBS students, 78 faculty members, 125 nursing officers, and 12 senior residents.

Foundation Stone Laying of Assam Advanced Health Care Innovation Institute (AAHII)

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi also laid the foundation stone of the Assam Advanced Health Care Innovation Institute (AAHII), which aims to develop and deploy innovative and affordable medical technologies to meet the healthcare needs of the people.

Launch of ‘Aapke Dwar Ayushman’ Campaign

The Prime Minister also launched the ‘Aapke Dwar Ayushman’ campaign, which involves distributing Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) cards to eligible beneficiaries. The AB-PMJAY scheme aims to provide health coverage to economically vulnerable families, covering the costs of hospitalisation, surgery, and other medical procedures.

Celebration of Platinum Jubilee of Guwahati High Court

At around 2:15 pm, Prime Minister Modi attended the programme marking the platinum Jubilee Celebrations of Guwahati High Court at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra, Guwahati.

Also Read: Assamese Gamosa Receives Geographical Indication Registration Certification

Public Function and Laying of Foundation Stones

At 5:00 pm, Prime Minister Modi reached Sarusajai Stadium, Guwahati, to preside over a public function. During the programme, he laid the foundation stone and dedicated various development projects, including commissioning of a 500 TPD Menthol Plant in Namrup, laying of the foundation stone of a bridge on Brahmaputra River connecting Palashbari and Sualkuchi, foundation stone laying for beautification of Rang Ghar, Sivasagar, and dedication to five railway projects.

Celebration of Rongali Bihu

The same day marked the celebration of Rongali Bihu, observed in the first week of the month Bohag (mid-April) every year. Rongali or Bohag Bihu heralds the Assamese New Year and is widely celebrated among the community. The Assamese celebrate Bihu thrice a year, which signifies the distinct cycles of farming- Bhogali or Magh Bihu in January, Bohag or Rongali Bihu in April, and Kongali Bihu in October.