Daijiworld Media Network - Guwahati

Guwahati, Mar 15: Union home minister Amit Shah on Sunday alleged that the Congress Party misappropriated around Rs 150 crore annually from Assam’s healthcare budget during its 15-year rule, claiming corruption had left the public health system in a fragile state.

Speaking at a programme in Guwahati, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for healthcare projects worth Rs 2,092 crore, HM Shah said that a decade ago, the state’s healthcare infrastructure was in disarray due to alleged mismanagement and fund diversion under the Congress government.

“About 10 years ago, the healthcare system in Assam was in shambles. The Congress government was more concerned about the financial well-being of its leaders’ families rather than improving healthcare services for the people,” he stated.

HM Shah praised the efforts of Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam Chief Minister, saying that under his leadership, the state’s healthcare infrastructure has undergone significant transformation, bringing medical facilities closer to the standards of more developed states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.

The Home Minister highlighted that the newly launched projects aim to strengthen healthcare delivery across Assam, particularly improving access to quality treatment in rural and remote areas. He added that the Centre and the Assam government are working together to expand medical infrastructure, establish new facilities, and upgrade existing hospitals to reduce the need for residents to travel outside the state for advanced care.

HM Shah emphasised that the government remains committed to building a robust healthcare system that is both affordable and accessible for every citizen.