Gauhati High Court asks Dispur to expedite medical college at Karimganj

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court has directed the state government to expedite the process of establishing the proposed medical college and hospital at Karimganj and complete it as early as possible.

This directive came in response to a PIL filed by one Hifzur Rahman Choudhury. The petitioner had requested the court to issue a show-cause notice to the government as to why the proposed medical college has not been set up even after numerous years have elapsed, and also to issue a directive for submission of an up-to-date status report containing the details of progress made towards setting up of the medical college and hospital at Karimganj. Further, the petitioner requested the court to direct the state government to take appropriate steps to set up the medical college and hospital within a specific time frame.

Appearing at the hearing, Advocate General of Assam Devajit Saikia informed the court that the state government is going to establish medical colleges & hospitals at various places in Assam in a phased manner as a matter of policy, and one such institution will be set up at Karimganj as well. Saikia further informed the court that he has received a written communication dated April 2, 2022 from the Joint Secretary to Health & Family Welfare Department to this effect and that the Finance Minister of Assam has also made provisions in the state Budget for 2022-23 for establishment of a medical college and hospital at Karimganj. In fact, the process for identification of land for setting up the institution is also underway, Saikia added.

Thereupon, the court observed: "…It clearly transpires that the state of Assam has taken a conscious decision to establish a medical college and hospital at Karimganj. As far as the time taken for the same is concerned, we hope and trust that the state government shall expedite the process of establishing the proposed medical college and hospital at Karimganj."

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