Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh – In a significant step towards improving healthcare infrastructure and medical education in the state, Arunachal Pradesh Education and Cultural Affairs Minister Ojing Tasing chaired a high-level consultative meeting to discuss the establishment of a new medical college at the Bakin Pertin General Hospital (BPGH), Pasighat. The meeting, attended by government officials, healthcare professionals, and community representatives, marks a major move in the state’s mission to boost healthcare access and create new avenues for medical training in the region.
Vision for Medical Education and Healthcare in Arunachal Pradesh
Minister Ojing Tasing emphasized that the proposed medical college at BPGH will not only provide advanced healthcare services to the people of East Siang district and neighboring regions but will also address the acute shortage of qualified doctors and healthcare workers in the state.
“Our vision is to make Arunachal a hub for medical education in the Northeast. The proposed medical college will help retain talent in the state, reduce the outflow of students seeking education outside, and enhance healthcare delivery,” Tasing said during the meeting.
Key Stakeholders and Participants
The consultative meeting brought together representatives from the Health & Family Welfare Department, senior doctors from BPGH, local MLAs, members of the district administration, and experts from the medical education sector. Community leaders and NGOs also participated, ensuring that local needs and aspirations were part of the planning process.
Proposed Features of the Medical College
The proposed institution is expected to include:
- State-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories equipped with modern teaching aids.
- Specialized hospital wings for cardiology, oncology, pediatrics, orthopedics, and emergency care.
- Residential facilities for students, faculty, and staff.
- Research and training centers to encourage innovation in healthcare solutions for the Northeast.
- Digital healthcare integration for telemedicine and remote consultation services.
BPGH’s Role in the Project
Bakin Pertin General Hospital, Pasighat, currently serves as the primary referral hospital for East Siang and adjoining districts. With a strong patient inflow and experienced medical staff, it is considered a suitable base for hosting a medical college. The integration of the college with BPGH will ensure that students receive hands-on clinical training while the hospital benefits from advanced facilities and increased medical personnel.
Expected Benefits to the Region
| Benefit Area | Impact |
|---|---|
| Healthcare Access | Improved availability of specialized treatment within Arunachal Pradesh. |
| Medical Education | Reduced dependency on other states for MBBS and postgraduate studies. |
| Employment | Creation of new jobs for faculty, administrative staff, and healthcare workers. |
| Economic Development | Boost to the local economy through increased demand for housing, services, and infrastructure. |
| Research & Innovation | Opportunities for health-related research addressing regional challenges. |
Government’s Long-Term Plan
The state government is working closely with the National Medical Commission (NMC) to ensure compliance with medical education standards. The initial intake is projected at 100 MBBS seats per year, with scope for expansion into postgraduate programs in the future.
Additionally, the government plans to integrate the medical college into telemedicine networks, enabling patients from remote villages to receive consultations without traveling long distances.
Timeline and Funding
The preliminary project report (PPR) is expected to be finalized within the next six months. Funding will be sourced through a combination of state government allocation, central government assistance under health and education schemes, and possible international development grants.
| Project Milestone | Expected Completion |
|---|---|
| Finalization of PPR | Q1 2026 |
| Approval from National Medical Commission | Q3 2026 |
| Construction Commencement | Q4 2026 |
| First Academic Session | Q3 2029 |
Voices from the Community
- Dr. Tapang Jamoh, Senior Specialist, BPGH: “This will be a game-changer for healthcare in Arunachal. Our patients will benefit from better facilities, and our young people will have opportunities closer to home.”
- Ms. Yaman Perme, local resident: “Many students have to leave the state for medical education. This project will give them hope to study here and serve their own people.”
Challenges Ahead
While the project has received widespread support, several challenges need to be addressed:
- Infrastructure Development – Upgrading existing hospital facilities to meet medical college requirements.
- Faculty Recruitment – Attracting qualified teaching professionals to the region.
- Sustainable Funding – Ensuring long-term operational viability.
- Retention of Graduates – Encouraging doctors trained in Arunachal to stay and work locally.
A Step Towards a Healthier Arunachal
Minister Ojing Tasing concluded the meeting with a call for collective effort:
“This medical college will not just be a building—it will be a beacon of hope. Together, we can create an institution that serves generations to come.”
With the consultative process now underway, the people of Pasighat and the wider Arunachal region look forward to the day when the first batch of doctors trained at BPGH walks into the community they will serve.
Disclaimer: This article is based on official statements, meeting outcomes, and stakeholder inputs. It is intended for informational purposes and does not represent any government policy document or contractual commitment.
