Assam's Bajali medical college plan faces backlash over neglected healthcare gaps
Plans for a new medical college in Assam's Bajali district have sparked concerns over the region's existing healthcare gaps. The announcement, made by Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, was met with scepticism from local activists who questioned its timing and feasibility. They argue that basic medical facilities in Bajali remain severely underdeveloped, leaving residents without critical care options. The Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) has criticised the proposal as 'premature'. According to the organisation, the Bajali Civil Hospital currently lacks essential services, including an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and CT scan facilities. Patients requiring urgent or specialised treatment must still travel to neighbouring districts, adding to their burden.
AJYCP General Secretary Bijan Bayan highlighted the need for immediate upgrades to the Swahid Madan Rauta Sub-Divisional Civil Hospital. The group insists that transforming it into a fully functional district hospital should take priority over establishing a medical college. Without proper infrastructure, trained staff, or a clear plan, they argue, the proposed college risks becoming an empty promise. The state government's announcement suggests the medical college could be set up within nine months if the BJP retains power. However, no concrete details have been provided about improvements to existing healthcare services in Bajali over the past five years.
The debate over the medical college underscores the gap between long-term ambitions and immediate healthcare needs in Bajali. With no ICU beds, CT scans, or recent upgrades to public hospitals, residents continue to rely on facilities outside the district. The AJYCP's demands for better infrastructure and planning remain unaddressed, leaving the feasibility of the project uncertain.
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