Changsari (Assam): The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Guwahati, the only one of its kind in the North East, is preparing to transform into a major healthcare destination for the region and even neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh, according to its newly appointed president Dr. BKS Sanjay.
Speaking a day after taking charge, Dr. Sanjay said the immediate priority is to strengthen existing services before introducing new specialised facilities tailored to the institute.
“Our first focus is on consolidating current services. Once that is achieved, we plan to expand and cater to the entire North East,” he said, adding that AIIMS-Guwahati will eventually attract patients from far beyond the region.
The renowned orthopaedic surgeon, a Padma Shri awardee in 2021, also hinted at exclusive offerings, including advanced correctional surgeries for physical deformities.
“Some services will be unique to this centre,” he noted.
Located about 25 km from Guwahati city, the institute was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 14, 2023.
It currently houses 41 departments, 367 functional inpatient beds, and records a daily outpatient footfall of around 2,000.
Academic programmes include MBBS, postgraduate courses, and BSc Nursing.
Dr. Sanjay underlined the institute’s role in bridging the gap in accessible healthcare.
“Free education and food security were addressed earlier. Now, healthcare is being taken care of to build a developed Bharat,” he said.
While ruling out opening satellite campuses in other parts of the region due to challenges like staffing and infrastructure, the president stressed on building AIIMS-Guwahati as a premier institute of excellence.
Cancer care remains a key focus area, given Assam’s high incidence of the disease. Dr. Sanjay urged people to seek timely medical advice for symptoms such as persistent pain, lumps, and blood in cough.
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“Early detection of tumours significantly improves survival chances,” he said.
The institute is also combating substance abuse, a pressing issue in the state. AIIMS-Guwahati runs a dedicated de-addiction facility with psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and a research wing in collaboration with NIMHANS, Bangalore.
Executive Director Dr. Ashok Puranik said eligible patients are covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme for free treatment.
Common concerns include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and mixed drug abuse, he added.
