Massive vacancies in Assam's medical institutions
More than 4,200 posts are lying vacant across medical colleges and hospitals in Assam, severely impacting healthcare delivery, state Health Minister Ashok Singhal announced on 10 July 2026. The shortage spans doctors, nurses, and support staff, with facilities in Jorhat, Barpeta and Dhubri bearing the brunt, each catering to over 1,000 patients daily.
Details of the vacancy crisis
Singhal, while addressing the media, stated that the vacancies have been identified through a comprehensive audit conducted by the state health department. “The numbers are alarming. We have 4,256 unfilled positions, which include 1,200 doctors, 2,100 nurses, and 956 paramedical and administrative staff,” he said. The minister attributed the shortfall to delays in recruitment and high attrition rates, particularly in rural areas.
The Jorhat Medical College and Hospital, Barpeta Medical College and Hospital, and Dhubri Medical College and Hospital are among the worst affected. “These three facilities alone handle over 1,000 outpatients each day, but they operate at barely 60% of their sanctioned staff strength,” Singhal added.
Impact on patient care and government response
The shortage has led to longer waiting times, increased workload on existing staff, and compromised quality of care. Patients in rural areas are particularly affected, often traveling long distances only to face overcrowded OPDs. The Assam government has initiated a special recruitment drive to fill 1,500 posts by December 2026, with a focus on specialist doctors and nurses. “We are also offering incentives like hardship allowances for postings in remote areas to retain talent,” Singhal said.
Opposition parties have criticized the government’s handling of the crisis, calling it a “systemic failure.” The Assam Medical College and Hospital Teachers’ Association has also demanded immediate action, warning of a potential healthcare collapse if vacancies are not filled urgently.
