40-bedded ICU inaugurated at SMCH by Himanta Biswa Sarma

Sept. 26: Silchar Medical College & Hospital (SMCH) has been an important centre for providing medical services not only in Silchar but also for the whole Barak Valley and a few neighbouring states. As such, given the number of patients to which SMCH caters health facilities, the infrastructure, especially the ICU facilities were not sufficient. The need of more ICU became more evident during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. As such, the need of the hour was another full-fledged ICU.

It is in this backdrop that State Health Minister, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma made provision for another ICU at SMCH. On Saturday, State Health Minister inaugurated the 40-bedded ICU at SMCH. During the inauguration, Himanta Biswa Sarma announced, “The ICU shall be further upgraded to 100 beds by 31 December, 2020.” Speaking at a function at SMC&H auditorium, Dr.Sarma said that it was a red letter day for SMC&H that a new ICU and a COVID Care Ward have been opened together with laying of foundation stone of six projects that included a 500 bedded Emergency Hospital at a cost of Rs.96.05 crore and infrastructure for increasing the number of MBBS seats from 100 to 150 at a cost of Rs.45.86 crore.

SMCH has been an important centre for providing medical services in Silchar & nearby areas.

Pleased to share that I have inaugurated a 40-bed ICU at SMCH today. Also, made an announcement that it shall be further upgraded to 100 beds by Dec 31, 2020.#AssamCares pic.twitter.com/nzpIuf96UJ

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) September 26, 2020

Making an impassioned plea to the people of Cachar district, especially elderly to undergo Rapid Antigen Test, Dr.Sarma said, “The 59 deaths would not have happened if the elderly and aged have come forward to the hospital on time for treatment. Those having COVID like symptoms like fever, cough and cold, diarrhoea must report to the hospital for early treatment. I assure you that we will send them back home healthy,” quipped Dr.Sarma.

Appealing to the people to wear masks, maintain social distancing and personal hygiene, Dr.Sarma said, “We are still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and the battle against the pandemic is far from over. All COVID-19 protocols have to be strictly adhered to till a vaccine is produced.”

Dr.Sarma said Assam is second to none insofar as total swab testing, deliverance of results, free treatment and providing most advanced medicine is concerned and thanked the doctors, health workers, drivers, cleaners, civil and police administrations for rendering sincere and dedicated services during the pandemic situation. The Minister said from a position of vacillation at the initial stage of the COVID pandemic to a position to strength, the state has come a long way in augmenting the health infrastructure and manpower. “If we can carry on the legacy with such steely resolve and dedication, we can be a model for everyone to look at with awe and wonder,” said Dr.Sarma.

MP, Silchar, Dr.Rajdeep Roy said the SMC&H has grown by leaps and bounds since it’s establishment way back in 1968 and profusely thanked the Health Minister for “seizing the opportunity during the adverse pandemic times and converting into opportunity by ramping up the health infrastructure at SMC&H and other medical colleges and health Institutions across the state.’

Deputy Commissioner, Cachar, Keerthi Jalli said whenever one is confronted with a crisis or adversity, opportunity also comes along with that and that has to be grabbed with both hands to make the best out of the bad situation. Jalli said this has been best exemplified by none other Minister for Health, Dr.Himanta Biswa Sarma, through his dogged determination, perseverance, tenacity and deliverance in terms of sprucing the health infrastructure in a short span of time. She said the new infrastructure at SMC&H will herald a new chapter in the annals of the medical college.

Commissioner and Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Anurag Goel, MP, Karimganj, Kripanath Malla, MLAs, Dilip Paul, Kishor Nath, Mihir Kanti Shome and Amar Chand Jain, OSD to Minister PWD, Jyotish Sarma and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.