Assam is redefining the landscape of healthcare and medical education with an ambitious plan to establish over 60 medical colleges across the state by 2035. Announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the initiative is part of a comprehensive vision to transform Assam into a hub for medical excellence and health tourism in Eastern India.
Backed by a substantial INR 357 crore investment, the plan includes significant upgrades to residential and academic infrastructure. This bold move directly addresses the state’s long-standing shortage of medical professionals and aims to attract global investors in the healthcare sector.
The momentum is already building. Recent developments include the recruitment of 500 new doctors and the inauguration of multiple new medical colleges, helping to close staffing gaps and improve healthcare delivery. By 2030, the state targets the graduation of at least 1,500 MBBS doctors annually, supported by expanded infrastructure in key districts like Jorhat and Tinsukia. Assam Medical College is also being upgraded into a centre of excellence for critical care services.
Private sector interest in Assam’s healthcare growth is surging. Prominent players such as Medanta and Ambuja Neotia are making major investments, including five-star hospital complexes and 1,000-bed facilities in Guwahati and Borjhar. These projects will serve local communities while also boosting Assam’s appeal as a premier medical tourism destination.
In a move to prepare healthcare professionals for global careers, the state has introduced foreign language training for nursing students, enabling access to high-paying international job opportunities. Collaborations with countries such as Japan, South Korea, and the UAE are opening doors for placements offering monthly salaries ranging from INR 1 lakh to INR 2.5 lakh.
With forward-looking reforms, strong public-private partnerships, and robust infrastructure development, Assam is well on its way to becoming a global centre for medical education, healthcare delivery, and medical tourism.
