GUWAHATI, Aug 18 - Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today inaugurated the functioning of the PET-CT Scan machine at the newly constructed 200-bed Cancer Hospital attached to the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital here.
Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal termed the medical profession as a noble vocation, adding that those associated with this vocation should consider themselves to be very fortunate because through treatment of the patients they get the opportunity to serve mankind.
Sonowal said, �Dedicating the services of the PET-CT Scan machine augurs a momentous occasion for oncology treatment in the State.� Patients of the State have to go to other states, or even outside the country for better cancer treatment and those with feeble financial condition have to suffer a lot. However, with the introduction of this facility patients will get better treatment within the State,� he said.
Sonowal also said that health and education are the priorities for the government and with concerted efforts from all quarters revolutionary changes can be brought about in these sectors. He asserted that the State government is treading the path forward by giving special impetus to medical education.
Sonowal also said that in Assam cases of cancer are increasing, with nearly 25 thousand new cancer cases being detected every year. He underlined the State government�s emphasis on transforming the GMCH into a national institute of excellence.
The Chief Minister also said that treatment has to be patient-oriented.
Speaking on the occasion, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma said that with the PET-CT Scan machine patients can avail of modern treatment in the State itself, leading to cutting down on their treatment expenditures. He further said that with the PET-CT Scan machine dedicated to the service of the patients, Assam has become the first state to have this facility in a government-owned hospital.
Dr also informed that the Centre has already sanctioned Rs 170 crore to Diphu Medical College.
Member of Parliament Bijoya Chakraborty, Commissioner and Secretary Health and Family Welfare Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary Juri Sonowal, Director, Medical Education Dr Anup Kumar Barman, Principal, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital Dr Atindra Adhikary and Superintendent of GMCH Dr Ramen Talukdar were present on the occasion.
Synchronising with the programme, Chief Minister Sonowal and Health Minister Dr Sarma handed over appointment letters to Dr Bibhas Chandra Goswami as Director and Dr Kanakeswar Bhuyan as Superintendent of the 200-bed Cancer Hospital attached to the GMCH.
