AIIMS Equivalent Facilities to be Provided to Medical Colleges in Assam. Assam government has approved AIIMS-equivalent facilities for its medical colleges faculty and officials to enhance the work environment and retain top medical talent. A decision taken by the Assam Cabinet under Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma aims to attract and retain skilled doctors.
Medical professionals in Assam will be provided with career advancement opportunities, financial assistance, and academic support under the newly approved policy. To address the persistent issue of doctor shortages in the state’s medical colleges, the government offers benefits comparable to those at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
Key Benefits Approved by the Assam Cabinet
Assam government has announced several new facilities for state medical colleges’ faculty and officials, including:
1. Financial Assistance for Vehicle Loans
- State government will facilitate a car loan through a bank for newly appointed medical faculty members and registrars.
- Doctor salaries will be deducted for principal, while interest costs will be borne by the government.
2. Assured Career Promotion Scheme
- In order for medical faculty members to grow professionally and achieve systematic promotions, a structured career progression program has been implemented.
3. Academic Seminars and Global Exposure
- Every year, faculty members will be able to attend two national-level medical seminars.
- These seminars will be reimbursed by the state government for travel and accommodation expenses.
- Government will cover all expenses for medical faculty to attend seminars in any Asian country every two years.
- Government will cover all travel and stay costs for faculty members participating in academic seminars in the USA or Europe every three years.
Bridging the Gap- Bringing AIIMS-Level Benefits to Assam
These newly introduced benefits are typically available to AIIMS faculty, but have not been available to Assam’s medical colleges. By implementing this policy, the working conditions for medical educators in Assam will be significantly improved, making it an attractive career choice.
Assam Growing Medical Education Infrastructure
Assam has 13 government medical colleges that are either fully or partially operational. The number of MBBS seats has increased to 1,200, but specialist doctors and faculty members are still in short supply. Assam’s government has faced a major challenge in delivering quality medical education and healthcare due to this shortage.
Doctor Attrition in Assam- A Growing Concern
The State Directorate of Health Services reports the following:
- Assam lost 174 doctors between 2019 and 2024.
- 98 doctors opted for voluntary retirement, while 76 resigned.
- 64 doctors resigned from Assam’s medical colleges between 2021 and 2023 alone.
To retain medical professionals in government service, competitive benefits and incentives are needed.
Conclusion
The Assam Cabinet decision to provide AIIMS-equivalent facilities is a significant step in the state healthcare and medical education sectors. Assam government aims to enhance its medical workforce and healthcare education standards by enhancing financial, academic, and career growth opportunities.