Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday distributed appointment letters to 400 newly recruited health officers, emphasising his government’s dedication to creating job opportunities and improving healthcare delivery in the state.
Speaking at the official event in Guwahati, Sarma announced that this recruitment takes the total number of government jobs provided in Assam to 1,20,359, bringing the state closer to its target of over 1.5 lakh public sector jobs.
Sarma highlighted the crucial role of the new health officers in strengthening grassroots healthcare services.
He noted that these appointments align with the government’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare to even the most remote areas.
He described the initiative as a significant step toward addressing the dual priorities of employment generation and better healthcare access.
The chief minister spoke of Assam’s remarkable progress in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates over recent years.
He pointed out that maternal mortality has declined from 480 deaths per 100,000 live births during his tenure as health minister to the current 167.
Sarma expressed optimism that Assam would meet the national average in the next three to four years, crediting ongoing efforts in healthcare reforms and infrastructure development.
He also outlined the state’s vision of having 30 medical colleges by 2029.
From just three medical colleges in 2006, Assam now boasts 13 functional institutions that provide affordable and quality healthcare.
Sarma underscored the transformative impact of these colleges, noting that they have improved healthcare services, created numerous job opportunities, and set a strong foundation for the state’s medical education framework.
He recalled the skepticism surrounding the establishment of Jorhat Medical College during his earlier tenure as health minister and expressed pride in the progress that has made medical college inaugurations a routine affair.
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Sarma stressed the importance of collaboration between public and private healthcare sectors, urging private institutions to complement rather than compete with government facilities.
He emphasised that such cooperation would create a patient-centric medical landscape with clearly defined roles for both sectors, ultimately benefiting the people of Assam.
The chief minister’s remarks reflected a broader vision for Assam’s development, where quality healthcare and robust employment opportunities form key pillars of progress.
