In a landmark move to prevent brain drain and retain top medical professionals, the Assam government has introduced a comprehensive benefits package for faculty members in state-run medical colleges. The initiative, approved by the state cabinet, brings incentives on par with premier institutions like the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
Announcing the decision, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering senior faculty and officials. Under the new scheme, medical college faculty will receive financial assistance for vehicle purchases, with the state covering interest payments while deducting the principal amount from salaries.
A major highlight of the package is the government’s commitment to professional development. Faculty members will now be sponsored to attend two national seminars annually, with travel and accommodation costs covered. Additionally, they will be eligible to participate in one conference in an Asian country every two years and another in the U.S. or Europe every three years, fully funded by the government.
Sarma underscored that such facilities were previously exclusive to AIIMS, putting Assam’s medical institutions at a disadvantage. “With these new decisions, the facilities for the faculty members of our medical colleges will be at par with those at AIIMS,” he stated.
Further strengthening career prospects, the government has also introduced an accelerated career promotion scheme for medical college faculty. This move aims to create a more attractive and rewarding career trajectory for healthcare professionals in the state, ensuring that Assam remains a hub for medical excellence.