Guwahati: Assam’s Health Department is targeting November 16 to begin operating relocated services at Mahendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital (MMCH) in Guwahati, ensuring continuity of patient care while infrastructure work is undertaken at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).
Health Minister Ashok Singhal said the relocation would involve almost all departments, although a few units might not be included in the temporary arrangement. He stressed that the transition should be carried out smoothly, without causing inconvenience to patients.
The relocation is expected to allow reconstruction work to proceed at the GMCH campus while medical services continue from the MMCH facility in Panbazar.
Addressing concerns about delays in diagnostic test reports at government hospitals, Singhal acknowledged the pressure on medical colleges due to their high patient volumes.
He said GMCH receives approximately 3,000 outpatients every day, placing considerable demands on its existing infrastructure and services. Delays can occur when the number of patients exceeds the capacity of available facilities, he explained.
The minister said he had not received any complaints alleging negligence or malpractice in connection with the reported delays. However, after the issue was raised by a reporter, he assured that he would seek details from the department and examine possible measures to address the concerns.
The issue has highlighted the need to strengthen diagnostic facilities and ensure that patients receive test results within a reasonable timeframe at major government hospitals.
Singhal also highlighted the expansion of dialysis services across Assam, stating that more than 30 dialysis centres had been opened in the preceding three months.
According to information shared with the minister by the Health Department, most pending cases and service backlogs had been addressed, with only one or two centres reportedly remaining as exceptions.
The expansion is intended to improve access to dialysis treatment across the state and reduce the burden on patients who require regular sessions.