Guwahati Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said his government will launch 35 new centers for free dialysis sessions across the state within the next two months.
"In June 2019, during the pandemic, the first free kidney dialysis center was opened in Nalbari. Since then, 41 centers have been established in 33 districts through public-private partnerships," Sarma told a press conference.
He highlighted the significant increase in dialysis sessions, noting that while only 24,000 sessions were conducted in the first year, the number rose to 2,21,116 sessions during 2023-24, benefiting 5,347 patients.
"Our focus on expanding medical facilities has led us to decide to open 35 additional centers in the next two months, with an aim to cover all 126 constituencies in the state," Sarma added.
The annual budget allocated for free kidney dialysis sessions is Rs 31 million, with Rs 16 million provided by the central government and the rest by the state.
To address concerns over the Siksha Setu app, which has faced criticism from the teaching community, Sarma announced the formation of a three-member committee to evaluate the app and address issues faced by teachers while recording their attendance.
The committee will consist of Dean Parameshwar Iyer of IIT Guwahati, Director Sarat Kumar Patro of IIIT Guwahati and Hiten Choudhury, head of the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, Cotton University. The Director of Primary Education will act as member-secretary.
Regarding the recent marksheet scam in Gauhati University, Sarma said it was a serious problem as the software is weak and anyone can change the marks.
"The CID is investigating the case and we will examine the system, identify the symptoms and ensure it is rectified," he added.
Nine people have been arrested for allegedly taking money and boosting marks in the computerized marksheet system.
"In June 2019, during the pandemic, the first free kidney dialysis center was opened in Nalbari. Since then, 41 centers have been established in 33 districts through public-private partnerships," Sarma told a press conference.
He highlighted the significant increase in dialysis sessions, noting that while only 24,000 sessions were conducted in the first year, the number rose to 2,21,116 sessions during 2023-24, benefiting 5,347 patients.
"Our focus on expanding medical facilities has led us to decide to open 35 additional centers in the next two months, with an aim to cover all 126 constituencies in the state," Sarma added.
The annual budget allocated for free kidney dialysis sessions is Rs 31 million, with Rs 16 million provided by the central government and the rest by the state.
To address concerns over the Siksha Setu app, which has faced criticism from the teaching community, Sarma announced the formation of a three-member committee to evaluate the app and address issues faced by teachers while recording their attendance.
The committee will consist of Dean Parameshwar Iyer of IIT Guwahati, Director Sarat Kumar Patro of IIIT Guwahati and Hiten Choudhury, head of the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, Cotton University. The Director of Primary Education will act as member-secretary.
Regarding the recent marksheet scam in Gauhati University, Sarma said it was a serious problem as the software is weak and anyone can change the marks.
"The CID is investigating the case and we will examine the system, identify the symptoms and ensure it is rectified," he added.
Nine people have been arrested for allegedly taking money and boosting marks in the computerized marksheet system.
