IIT Guwahati Partners with Assam Government For Indigenous Healthcare Innovation Across Northeast India

IIT Guwahati, in collaboration with the Government of Assam, held a symposium focused on advancing healthcare innovation in Northeast India, marking a pivotal step toward fostering indigenous healthcare solutions.

IIT Guwahati Partners with Assam Government

The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati hosted a symposium today, November 8, 2024, to accelerate healthcare innovation in Northeast India. This gathering of distinguished doctors and scientists explored healthcare technologies, reinforcing the "Make in India" initiative. Organised by the Assam Advanced Healthcare Innovation Institute (AAHII) - a collaboration between the Government of Assam and IIT Guwahati - the symposium represents a significant step forward in promoting indigenous healthcare solutions for the region.

To reduce reliance on healthcare imports, the Government of Assam and IIT Guwahati are building a state-of-the-art AAHII campus. This facility will include a 400-bed super-speciality teaching hospital, advanced research laboratories, and residential accommodations, positioning Assam as a leader in indigenous medical technology innovation.

The event was inaugurated by Dr. Ravi Kota, Chief Secretary, Government of Assam, stated, “It is an honor to join this inaugural symposium at IIT Guwahati, a unique and bold step for Assam and the nation. By bridging the gap between medical and engineering disciplines, IIT Guwahati and the Assam Government are pioneering a model that unites academia, government, and healthcare professionals. This initiative leverages Assam’s resources and vision to address healthcare challenges and lay a foundation for indigenous innovation. The growth of institutions like IIT Guwahati and AIIMS is transformative, signaling a powerful partnership with the state government that will drive regional development and healthcare resilience."

Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati during his welcome address said, “We are thrilled to embark on a groundbreaking journey with the Assam Advanced Healthcare Innovation Institute at IIT Guwahati. By establishing a super-specialty hospital and advanced research facilities, we aim to reduce dependency on imports, lower diagnostic and treatment costs, and make quality healthcare more accessible. With the Government of Assam’s strong support, this project aligns with our vision for a self-reliant, ‘Make in India’ healthcare ecosystem that addresses the nation’s most pressing health challenges.”

Speaking at the event, Prof. Ashok K. Puranik, Executive Director of AIIMS Guwahati, said, “It is inspiring to be part of this journey towards indigenous healthcare innovation, in alignment with the Hon’ble Prime Minister's vision of ‘Design in India, Design for the World.’ Reliance on imported technology can challenge our national resilience, and it is imperative that we address this now.”

Established in 2022, the Assam Government IIT Guwahati Healthcare Foundation (AGIHF), a Section 8 company co-managed by IIT Guwahati and the Government of Assam serves as a platform for industry partnerships focused on advancing healthcare technologies. The forthcoming AAHII campus will feature six centres of excellence, dedicated to pioneering research in stem cells, digital health, therapeutics, precision medicine, robotics, and affordable diagnostics.

Prominent IIT Guwahati researchers, including Prof. Biman Mandal, Prof. Kangaraj S., Prof. S.S. Ghosh, Prof. Parameswar Iyer, and Prof. Uttam Manna, showcased their pioneering work, inspiring collaboration between scientists and clinicians in developing breakthrough healthcare solutions for India.

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