Assam CM Unveils Health Overhaul, Vows Crackdown on Law Violators

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in a series of recent public addresses, underscored the dramatic transformation of the state’s healthcare sector while simultaneously issuing stern warnings on issues of law enforcement, communal harmony, and land encroachment.

From Crisis to Capacity: A Healthcare Revolution

Reflecting on the state's medical progress since the inception of the National Health Mission in 2006, Sarma said Assam’s healthcare system has undergone a “complete transformation.” Citing dismal maternal mortality figures from two decades ago, he recalled, “In 2006, we had only three medical colleges and maternal mortality was 480. Disturbing health headlines were a daily affair.”

Concrete policy interventions brought down maternal mortality to 300 by 2011, and further to 167 by the 2019–2021 period. “Back then, hardly any women pursued medical education. Today, that has reversed,” Sarma said.

He attributed the transformation to bold political will and continued investment in medical education. Despite early criticism, including from various prominent media outlets for establishing Jorhat Medical College, the state government pressed ahead. “We went on to build new colleges in Barpeta and Tezpur, and in 2016, we were producing 600 doctors annually. That number has grown to 1,600 doctors a year across 13 medical colleges,” he stated.

Looking ahead, Sarma revealed an ambitious roadmap: 29 medical colleges by 2030, producing 4,000 doctors annually. Ten proposals from private entities to build medical colleges in Assam are currently under review. “Earlier, even news of a new medical college would get negative headlines. I was disturbed for three years. Today, that narrative has changed,” he said.

The COVID-19 pandemic, according to Sarma, exposed both challenges and the resilience of Assam’s health system. “From makeshift stretchers in Luit-Khabalu to now improved access roads and rural hospitals, we’ve come a long way.”

He further announced that the state will establish 100-bed hospitals in every legislative constituency and ensure equitable facilities between the public and private sectors. “We’ll provide government doctors the same support as their private counterparts,” he promised.

Digital Future of Healthcare

CM Sarma also forecast a technological leap in outpatient services. “The future is digital. In the next 10 years, hospital OPDs will be powered by 5G or 6G. Everything will be done via mobile platforms,” he declared, calling on the health workforce to integrate basic data analysis and digital tools into everyday operations.

Firm Hand on Law and Order

Beyond health, the Chief Minister used his public platform to issue firm directives on law and order.

Sarma announced the appointment of 400 new doctors who will be stationed in government hospitals across Assam. But he warned private hospitals that refuse patients on financial grounds: “This won’t be tolerated. We’re setting up a helpline and call centre to address such complaints.”

Addressing recent concerns around hospital malpractices, he stated, “No hospital will be allowed to unlawfully retain a dead body. We will adopt a zero-tolerance approach.”

Eviction Drives and Land Encroachment

On land evictions, Sarma confirmed the completion of a major drive in Goalpara and said a second phase was imminent. “Horchila Beel has been cleared. I will personally inspect the site,” he said, adding that eviction drives will continue wherever necessary.

Responding to critics, he said: “You can’t climb a tree just to uproot it. Eviction is a painful but necessary process.”

Communal Flashpoints and Direct Rhetoric

The Chief Minister addressed a recent incident in Dhubri, where beef was allegedly dumped in a public area. “Even members of that community have condemned the act and demanded strict action. We will act tough,” Sarma stated.

He made a controversial analogy, saying, “If Hindus had placed pork in a religious place, outrage would follow. If beef is deliberately placed, our response will be equally stern. Even shoot-at-sight orders will be considered if needed.”

Sarma also touched on a disturbing incident in Lakhimpur, where a severed cow head was allegedly found near a Namghar (Vaishnavite prayer hall). Calling it an act of provocation, he said such incidents would not be tolerated.

Political Barbs at Congress and Rahul Gandhi

The Chief Minister accused the Congress of selectively targeting the Hindu community, citing a recent comment by Rahul Gandhi. “He talks about arresting RSS workers. What about Bangladeshi infiltrators? Where’s the action against them?” Sarma asked.

In response to social media criticism, he remained unfazed. “Whether someone removes a virus or not doesn’t matter to me. I have the BJP behind me, we’ll move forward regardless.”

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