Guwahati: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma directed health institutions to introduce advanced technologies, including robotic surgeries and AI applications, as part of phased mandatory upgrades.He also ordered the establishment of a nursing college in every district after reviewing the state health department late on Saturday evening.At nearly the same time, Sarma reviewed the state mines and minerals department and stressed that all mining operations must be carried out sustainably within the existing green framework. He said both meetings could help shape strong policy outcomes in the coming months.“Keeping with our goal of building a Swasth Assam, I have sought an update on the construction progress of 10 medical colleges in Assam. I have directed that our health institutions must create facilities for robotic surgeries, liver transplant and application of AI in medical processes in a phased manner. At the same time, every district must begin work on a nursing college,” Sarma wrote in a social media post.Sarma said the review also covered progress on proton beam therapy, the expansion of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, and the functioning of Ayushman Bharat, Ayushman Assam and Cancer Centres. “I also reviewed threadbare patient care facilities in our hospitals, medicine supplies, vacancy fulfilment, among other matters,” he added.On the mines and minerals department, Sarma said Assam has known reserves of rare earth and other key minerals essential to ‘Industry 4.0’. He directed officials to begin exploration work in line with Centre’s policies. According to the chief minister’s office, Sarma reviewed the department’s performance, revenue roadmap and progress on major mining sector reforms. The meeting also focused on sustainable resource management, mine auctions, and the exploration of critical and rare earth minerals to support Assam’s long-term economic growth.“We also reviewed the ongoing exploration of other minerals — some of which has already led to investment commitments of over Rs 50,000 crore. At the same time, I have also emphasised that all mining operations must be in a sustainable manner within the existing green framework,” Sarma said.On Sunday, he reviewed the department of housing and urban affairs’ progress and future plans, assessing major initiatives of GMC, GMDA, the Guwahati Jal Board and AMRUT. Stressing citizen-focused development, Sarma instructed the agencies to prioritise safe drinking water, flash flood control, sanitation and open spaces, and to speed up these civic projects to help make Guwahati one of India’s finest cities.
