GUWAHATI, Sept 20 � Principal cum Chief Superintendent of the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) Dr MM Deka today said that almost 50 per cent of the hospital�s land had been encroached upon by illegal settlers.
Speaking at the 51st anniversary function of the GMC, Dr Deka said, �The GMCH earlier had an area of approximately 550 bighas but unfortunately it is now left with around 300 bighas of land only. The encroachers had even manipulated the paper work relating to the land.�
Dr Deka felt that the State Government, especially the Forest and Environment Ministry, must also take special care of the forest areas attached with the GMCH campus and take necessary measures to develop the forest areas.
�Environment and health are inter-related and in today�s world most of the diseases are caused due to environmental changes, which is why, there is need for both the departments to work in tandem,� Dr Deka pointed out.
Addressing the gathering, he also said that the GMCH, which is rated amongst the top Government hospitals in the country, is trying to cater to the needs of the poor people in a more effective manner.
He also talked about the hospital being developed as a super-specialty one, adding that the authorities concerned must chalk out plans to make GMCH a centre of excellence.
�Only if the Government sector is considered, the State is falling short of at least 16 lakh doctors,� informed Dr Deka.
Dr Deka also read out excerpts from the annual report of the GMCH brought out on the occasion.
Speaking as the chief guest, Minister of Forest and Environment Rockybul Hussain, urged the doctors to pursue the profession as a service to the people.
He also lauded the efforts of the medical professionals in improving the health scenario of the State.
A host of other dignitaries, including Prof AK Barua, former principal of GMC and director NEIGRIHMS, Prof D Borkotoky, former professor of medicine department, GMC, were also present on the occasion.
