Assam emerging as Northeast's healthcare hub, Mizoram joins cancer care network: CM Sarma
Guwahati, July 8
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Wednesday that Mizoram has partnered with the Assam Cancer Care Foundation, enabling cancer patients from the neighbouring state to receive cashless treatment at the foundation's cancer hospitals across Assam under the Mizoram Universal Healthcare Scheme.
Announcing the development in a post on social media platform X, the Chief Minister described the agreement as another major step in Assam's emergence as a regional healthcare hub.
Chief Minister Sarma noted that after similar arrangements with Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, the partnership with Mizoram would further strengthen access to quality and affordable cancer treatment for people across the Northeast.
"Pleased to share that Mizoram has partnered with Care Assam to enable its cancer patients to access treatment at our Cancer Centres across Assam, completely cashless under the Mizoram Universal Healthcare Scheme," the Chief Minister wrote.
He added that after Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, the latest collaboration marks "another significant milestone in Assam's emergence as the country's new healthcare hub".
According to the Chief Minister, cancer patients from Mizoram can now avail cashless treatment at hospitals run by the Assam Cancer Care Foundation under the MUHCS, while beneficiaries from Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland continue to receive treatment under their respective state health insurance schemes -- the Chief Minister Arogya Arunachal Yojana (CMAAY) and the Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS).
The Assam Cancer Care Foundation, a joint initiative of the Assam government and the Tata Trusts, has been expanding specialised oncology services across the state through a network of dedicated cancer hospitals.
The initiative aims to reduce the burden on patients who earlier had to travel to metropolitan cities outside the Northeast for advanced cancer treatment.
The latest interstate collaboration is expected to improve access to specialised oncology care for patients from neighbouring states while reinforcing Assam's role as a regional centre for advanced healthcare services in the Northeast.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It is wonderful to see cooperation between states in the Northeast. My cousin in Nagaland has benefited from a similar scheme under the CMAAY. The Assam Cancer Care Foundation is doing a stellar job in making cancer treatment accessible. I hope other states also follow this model. More power to such regional healthcare networks!
This is a significant move, but I hope the quality of care at these centers is consistent. We have seen many healthcare initiatives in the past that start well but lack long-term sustainability. Let us hope the Assam Cancer Care Foundation has enough specialists, equipment, and medicines to handle the increased patient load from multiple states. #AccountabilityMatters
As someone from Arunachal, I can personally vouch for the CMAAY scheme. My uncle is undergoing treatment at one of these cancer centers in Guwahati, and it has been a huge relief. No more running around to Delhi or Mumbai for every check-up. Assam is truly stepping up as a regional leader. Well done to all involved. 🙂
It is heartening to see states in the Northeast collaborate for better healthcare. Cancer treatment is expensive and emotionally draining. This initiative will definitely reduce the burden on families from Mizoram, Arunachal, and Nagaland. I just hope the government also focuses on preventive measures and early detection camps in rural areas. Prevention is key!
Great news for the region. Assam is indeed becoming a healthcare hub. But I hope the infrastructure keeps pace with the demand. These centers should have enough beds, doctors, and support staff. Also, connectivity to Guwahati from
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