CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Lays Foundation for Critical Care Block at Civil Hospital during Silchar Visit

Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday (March 18) laid the foundation stone for a 50-bed Critical Care Block at SM Dev Civil Hospital, Silchar, marking a significant step towards strengthening healthcare infrastructure in Barak Valley. He also virtually laid the foundation stone for a new Circuit House alongside the integrated Deputy Commissioner’s Office.

The upcoming Critical Care Block, a G+4 structure covering 6,335 sq. meters, will house essential medical facilities, including Intensive Care Units (ICU), operation theatres (OT), isolation wards, and paediatric care units. The first floor will feature an isolation ward and waiting lounge, while the second floor will include a Maternal and Child Health (MCH) ward, an OT, and a dialysis ward. The third floor will house additional OTs and therapeutic units, and the fourth floor will have a four-bed paediatric care unit and a 12-bed ward. The project is estimated to cost Rs. 24 crore. Other than the healthcare facilities, critical infrastructure like a police outpost and a fire brigade station will also be attached to the critical care unit.

During his visit, the Chief Minister also announced plans for a 200-bed hospital in Silchar, further enhancing medical facilities in the region.

In a bid to improve civic infrastructure, the foundation stone for a new Circuit House with 32 rooms and an integrated DC Office was also laid virtually. The government has allocated Rs. 26 crore for the project. CM Sarma mentioned that shifting the DC Office and Circuit House out of the main town will ease the traffic congestion.

Additionally, a new flyover is on the cards to address Silchar’s growing traffic congestion. The project, planned in two phases, will connect Capital Point to the National Highway Point in the first phase and ISBT, Ramnagar to India Club Point in the second.

When asked to comment on the opposition’s accusation that it was another election lollipop, he refuted such claims. Rather he mentioned, the tender for the flyover is expected to be floated within two months following public consultations which already took place at the office of the District Commissioner.

Chief Minister Sarma also highlighted ongoing work on the Shibbari Road sinking zone, noting that while the repair is challenging, the government is committed to finding a permanent solution. While locals have complained that the work has been paused, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma assured that work will be completed but will take time as rushing the work can cause infrastructural damage in the future, instead of a permanent solution.

Apart from healthcare and infrastructure, Sarma attended the centenary celebration of Ramakrishna Mission Sevasram and pledged Rs. 5 crore from the Assam government to support the hospital inside the Sevasram, which provides free treatment to underprivileged patients. He also participated in the Golden Jubilee celebration of Desh Bhakta Tarun Ram Phukoon Higher Secondary School, where he assured the construction of a hostel for students, both boys and girls of this Assamese-medium institution.

Addressing the public at the school event, the Chief Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to balanced regional development. “Gone are the days of discontent between the Brahmaputra Valley and Barak Valley. Our government has ensured equal growth in both regions. With classical language status granted to both Assamese and Bangla, both communities have received equal respect,” Sarma stated.

He also mentioned that the municipal corporation elections in Silchar are scheduled to take place in September.

CM Sarma assured that the allocations to the Barak Valley Development Department led by Kaushik Rai will work towards ending the small and everyday civic issues of the valley.