Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that the state will recruit 1,000 doctors every year for the next five years. This ambitious plan aims to fill long-standing vacancies and improve access to medical care in remote and underserved areas.
Major Health Policy Overhaul
Speaking at a public event in Guwahati on Monday, the Chief Minister outlined his government’s strategy to strengthen the health sector. He said, “We have a target to recruit 1,000 doctors every year for five years. This is not just a goal but a policy direction for the future.”
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The state already faces a doctor-to-patient ratio below the national average. With rising population and increasing health challenges, this decision is expected to bring long-term benefits to public health.
Filling Gaps in Rural Healthcare
Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that the recruitment drive would especially target vacancies in rural and backward regions. Many health centers and primary health units currently function with limited staff, and in some cases, without any medical officer.
By placing newly recruited doctors in such areas, the state hopes to reduce healthcare inequity. The move will ensure that even the most remote villages gain access to essential health services.
Focus on MBBS Graduates From State Colleges
The government plans to use its growing number of medical colleges to supply the required workforce. Assam now has 12 government medical colleges, with more under construction. These colleges will soon produce around 1,500 MBBS graduates annually, creating a steady pipeline of young doctors.
To encourage these graduates to serve in government hospitals, the state is also working on a bond policy. Under this policy, those who study in government institutions may be required to serve for a fixed term in rural areas.
Boosting Health Infrastructure
Recruiting doctors is just one part of the state’s health transformation. The Chief Minister also spoke about the parallel efforts to improve hospital infrastructure. New buildings, modern equipment, and better diagnostic facilities are being introduced in both district and sub-district hospitals.
Furthermore, the government has approved the construction of several new medical colleges in districts like Bongaigaon and Morigaon. These colleges will include attached hospitals, creating a dual benefit—medical education and improved health access.
Addressing Specialist Shortages
Alongside general physicians, Assam faces an acute shortage of specialists such as gynecologists, anesthetists, and pediatricians. The Chief Minister acknowledged this gap and said that future recruitment drives would prioritize specialists. To support this, the state is expanding postgraduate education capacity across medical institutions.
In the upcoming recruitment phases, doctors with MD and MS degrees in critical specialties will receive preference, especially for postings at district hospitals.
Ensuring Timely Appointments
In recent years, the recruitment process for government jobs has gained transparency and efficiency in Assam. CM Sarma assured that the selection of doctors would follow a merit-based process conducted through the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC).
Appointments will be done in phases, and joining letters will be issued without unnecessary delays. “We aim to make recruitment a routine exercise rather than a one-time event,” he said.
Policy Driven by Long-Term Vision
The Assam government sees this as part of a broader vision to create a robust health system in the state. From maternal health to trauma care, every aspect requires trained manpower. Without doctors, no investment in hospitals or technology can yield real impact.
Chief Minister Sarma said, “Our vision is to create a healthy Assam, not just for today, but for the next 20 years. To achieve that, we must act now.”
Public and Expert Reactions
Healthcare experts across Assam have welcomed the announcement. Many believe it will finally solve the chronic issue of doctor shortages. Public health specialists also pointed out that consistent recruitment over five years will build continuity in service delivery.
Several citizens praised the government’s decision on social media, calling it a “historic step” toward accessible healthcare. However, some also stressed the need for proper monitoring to ensure doctors actually serve in their assigned locations.
A Step Towards Equitable Health
With this major recruitment push, Assam takes a bold step towards equitable and accessible healthcare. While infrastructure is being developed, the focus on human resources ensures that no hospital remains a hollow structure.
The challenge now lies in implementation—ensuring that recruited doctors are well-distributed, regularly monitored, and adequately supported. If the plan succeeds, Assam could set a national example for addressing healthcare gaps through long-term policy thinking.
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