Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has directed health institutions in the state to adopt advanced technologies, including robotic surgeries and artificial intelligence (AI) applications, as part of phased mandatory upgrades. The directive was issued during a review of the state health department late on Saturday evening.
Healthcare Upgrades Ordered
Sarma also ordered the establishment of a nursing college in every district. He stressed the need for modern facilities to achieve the goal of a 'Swasth Assam' (Healthy Assam). The chief minister sought updates on the construction progress of 10 medical colleges in the state.
"Keeping with our goal of building a Swasth Assam, I have sought an update on the construction progress of 10 medical colleges in Assam. I have directed that our health institutions must create facilities for robotic surgeries, liver transplant and application of AI in medical processes in a phased manner. At the same time, every district must begin work on a nursing college," Sarma wrote in a social media post.
The review also covered progress on proton beam therapy, the expansion of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, and the functioning of Ayushman Bharat, Ayushman Assam and Cancer Centres. "I also reviewed threadbare patient care facilities in our hospitals, medicine supplies, vacancy fulfilment, among other matters," he added.
Sustainable Mining Emphasized
In a separate meeting, Sarma reviewed the state mines and minerals department. He stressed that all mining operations must be carried out sustainably within the existing green framework. Assam has known reserves of rare earth and other key minerals essential to 'Industry 4.0', and the chief minister directed officials to begin exploration work in line with the Centre's policies.
According to the chief minister's office, Sarma reviewed the department's performance, revenue roadmap and progress on major mining sector reforms. The meeting also focused on sustainable resource management, mine auctions, and the exploration of critical and rare earth minerals to support Assam's long-term economic growth.
"We also reviewed the ongoing exploration of other minerals — some of which has already led to investment commitments of over Rs 50,000 crore. At the same time, I have also emphasised that all mining operations must be in a sustainable manner within the existing green framework," Sarma said.
Urban Development Review
On Sunday, Sarma reviewed the department of housing and urban affairs' progress and future plans. He assessed major initiatives of Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), the Guwahati Jal Board and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT). Stressing citizen-focused development, Sarma instructed the agencies to prioritise safe drinking water, flash flood control, sanitation and open spaces. He urged them to speed up these civic projects to help make Guwahati one of India's finest cities.
The chief minister believes that these reviews will help shape strong policy outcomes in the coming months, driving both healthcare transformation and sustainable economic growth in Assam.
