Assam: CM inaugurates CT Scan machine in Gauhati Medical College

Guwahati : A PET-CT Scan machine at the newly constructed state of the art 200 bedded cancer hospital attached to Gauhati Medical College Hospital was inaugurated today by Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal as part of the state government's endeavour to battle cancer in the state.

Patients will now get due care and the best-in-class diagnostic treatment while maintaining highest safety standards, Sonowal said.

Terming medical profession as a noble vocation, he said those who are associated with this vocation should consider themselves very fortunate because through treatment of patients, they get the opportunity to serve mankind.

"Dedicating the services of the PET-CT Scan machine augurs a momentous occasion for oncology treatment in the state. Patients of the state had to go out to other states even abroad for better cancer treatment and those with feeble financial condition had to suffer a lot.

"With the introduction of this facility, patients will get better treatment within the state", Sonowal said stating health and education are the priorities for the government and with concerted efforts from all quarters, changes can be brought in these sectors.

The Chief Minister said his government laid top priority to medical education in the state and accordingly a substantial chunk has been allocated for the sector in the state's Budget.

Pointing out that in Assam, cancer case are increasing and nearly 25,000 new cancer cases are detected every year in the state, he underlined the state government's emphasis on transforming the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital to a National Institute of Excellence.

Categorising his priorities, Sonowal said his government is committed to extending good governance for the benefit of all people below poverty line and coupled with respect and responsibility, it will facilitate "change" in the state.

State Health and Family Welfare minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said with the PET CT Scan Machine, patients can avail modern treatment in the state itself leading to cutting down in their treatment expenditure.

He said with the PET CT Scan machine being dedicated to the service of the patients, Assam has become the first state to have this facility in a government owned hospital and that has happened within 100 days of the new government in power.