Himanta Biswa Sarma dedicates new cardiology ICU at SMCH

During his visit, the Chief Minister also reviewed the ongoing construction of a 535-bed emergency building at SMCH, which is expected to be completed by November next year. Once operational, this expansion will increase the hospital’s total bed capacity from the current 1,350 to approximately 1,885, significantly bolstering critical care and emergency services.

In addition to the new Cardiology ICU, Dr. Sarma assessed the relocation plans for five key departments to the upcoming emergency building to streamline patient care. He also announced plans for constructing another 1,000-bed facility within the SMCH campus, further emphasizing the state’s dedication to meeting the growing healthcare needs of the region.

The Chief Minister took a comprehensive approach in evaluating the hospital’s ancillary services, including addressing staff vacancies and planning for future needs. He instructed the PWD (Building) officials to draft a master plan for the hospital’s long-term expansion to ensure sustainable development.

Accompanying the Chief Minister during this visit were Cachar’s Guardian Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, MP Parimal Suklabaidya, MLAs Kaushik Rai and Dipayan Chakraborty, Principal of SMC& H Dr. Bhaskar Gupta, and other senior government officials.

Later in the day, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma attended the closing ceremony of the Sesquicentennial Anniversary of the District Bar Association, Cachar, Silchar. Established in 1874, the association has played a pivotal role in strengthening the democratic framework of the nation, significantly impacting the legal landscape of Cachar district.

 The Chief Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations to the association, acknowledging its crucial contributions during the transition from the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which marks a historic shift in the Indian legal system.

In the afternoon, the Chief Minister held a press conference at the Deputy Commissioner’s office, where he announced a series of infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing road connectivity and reducing public inconvenience ahead of Durga Puja. Notable among these is the sanctioning of Rs. 13 crores for the blacktopping of 13 key roads in Silchar town. The blacktopping of seven roads is expected to be completed before Durga Puja, with work on the remaining six roads to commence after the festival.

Further, Dr. Sarma provided updates on several major road projects in the region, including the reconstruction of the Rangirkhari to Silchar Medical College road, sanctioned at Rs. 5.5 crores, to be completed by September 30, 2024.

The Chief Minister also mentioned the ongoing land acquisition process for the widening of roads from Birbal Bazar to SMCH, with an estimated cost of Rs. 30.5 crores.

The Chief Minister also addressed the pressing issue of the sinking zone at Shivbari on Silchar-Kalain Road, where an elevated road with RCC micro piles costing Rs. 70 crores is under construction. This project, along with other significant road repairs in the region, is expected to be completed before Durga Puja to ensure smooth transportation during the festival season.

With these comprehensive initiatives, the Assam government under Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma’s leadership is committed to driving the development of the Barak Valley, focusing on enhancing healthcare and infrastructure to meet the needs of the people.

This is stated in a press release issued from Regional office of Information & Public Relations Barak valley Zone Silchar Assam.