Assam health and finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday laid the foundation stone of a 50-bed emergency hospital wing in Silchar Medical College Hospital (SMCH).

After sharing the news on the new development, Sarma on his Twitter handle said the construction of the emergency hospital wing will cost Rs 90 crore.

He informed that the various other medical infrastructure facilities of the new hospital wing will cost Rs 44 crore.

The health minister said the new facility will strengthen health care in the area.

“Another step taken towards upgrading medical facilities in Silchar~ Laid the foundation stone of a 500-bed emergency hospital wing worth Rs 90 cr & various other medical infrastructure worth Rs 44 cr at SMCH today,” health minister Sarma tweeted.

“It shall further strengthen health care in the area,” he added.

Earlier on Saturday, health minister Sarma inaugurated a 40-bed intensive care unit (ICU) at SMCH.

The health minister announced that the ICU will be upgraded to 100 beds by December-end this year.

SMCH has been an important centre for providing medical services in Silchar and nearby areas, said Sarma.

“Pleased to share that I have inaugurated a 40-bed ICU at SMCH today. Also, made an announcement that it shall be further upgraded to 100 beds by Dec 31, 2020,” Sarma said in a tweet sharing pictures of the inaugural ceremony.