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Medical transformation in the health sector of Barak Valley, writes Dr Rajdeep Roy
May 28: Medical facility in Barak Valley underwent a historical development in the past 100 years. What started with an establishment by British administration has become a wildering journey of growth and advancements. Over the century, Barak Valley witnessed major infrastructural developments and inclusion in the field of medical sciences. One can only understand the region’s growth by looking back.
Barak Valley has always been an important nodal point of Assam’s medical facility. Silchar Medical College, which was established in 1st August 1968, is amongst the first three (3) medical colleges in Assam. However, the first healthcare facility in Silchar known to be as Civil Hospital was established by British Viceroy Frederick John Napier in November 2, 1920.
Over the years, new medical facilities are being incorporated in the region to serve the population with extensive medical treatment. In the recent years, the government of Assam being backed by the central ministry introduced myriad of facilities.
The absence of neurosurgery facility was one of the major drawbacks in the city’s medical armamentarium. With the implementation of neuro surgery facility in Silchar Medical College and Hospital the health care ecosystem has witnessed a major shift in its paradigm. Other departments like cardiology, nephrology, hepatology, gastroenterology, orthopaedic and many more have seen umpteen developments in the recent years. To improve the condition, the administration and government have been tirelessly working towards the amelioration of Silchar Medical College, the region’s biggest medical care facility. A grant of Rs 96.05 crore for a project of installing 500 beds and renovation of certain built areas of Silchar has also been facilitated.
During the peak of Covid-19 pandemic, Silchar Medical College & Hospital along with Civil Hospital provided treatment to numerous patients in need. In fact, Silchar Medical College & Hospital became one of the State’s most important infrastructures in tackling the pandemic. Till today, the Covid ward of Silchar Medical College & Hospital is functioning and welcoming any patient in need.
When it comes to doctors, Barak Valley is not lagging behind. In almost every field of medical sciences, Barak has seen a rise of specialist doctors. From gynaecology to oncology, the region is blessed with experts. Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre is one of the biggest cancer care units of the region. Since its establishment the region’s poor cancer patients gets an option of treatment in the valley itself.
The region is stepping towards attaining tertiary level medical facilities in both private and public healthcare sectors, refraining the population to visit other states or even overseas.
With a plethora of cases being unsolved due to lack of medical infrastructure, Barak valley is now witnessing improved health care facility & furnishing better care while saving lives too. With the introduction of private health care facilities like Jeevan Jyoti Institute of Medical Sciences (JJIMS) has introduced new technologies & infrastructure for better care at an affordable price. Hence, treating liver, heart, brain injury and polytrauma with advanced technology is a feasible option for the people of Barak Valley and surrounding areas along with neighbouring states.
We, the people of Barak Valley, have always strived to challenge the obstacles of attaining a successful medical team. The treatment of fatal diseases like cancer, cardiac arrests and cerebrovascular accidents and polytrauma is the evidence of medical transformation in Barak Valley and unequivocal results of our hard work. The journey from being medically backward to becoming one of the State’s biggest medical hubs, we are on a war footing agenda to achieve our health care goals.
