In a first for the region, the Assam government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati (IIT-G) to create a research institute dedicated to health sector innovations. The Assam Advanced Health Innovation Institute (AAHII) will launch with an initial investment of ₹546 crore and will include a post-graduate medical college and a multi-speciality hospital with 350 beds.
“This is a historic beginning. Today a public institution and a government have signed an agreement for research on chronic problems in the country’s health sector and find innovative technical solutions for them,” said Dharmendra Pradhan, union minister for education, skill development and entrepreneurship.
This agreement is all about the exciting blend of engineering, medical science, and industry. It will lead to research collaborations with some of the world’s top universities, focusing on stem cell therapy, diagnostics, therapeutics, molecular biology, and regenerative medicine.
“In the past, the link between academic, policy making and industry was missing. There was no friendship, compatibility or network among these three. It may have been late, but now that link has been established,” said Pradhan.
“This collaboration between an academic institute and a state government to set up an advanced health innovation institute is a first of its kind step. While our medical colleges primarily focus on clinical aspects, the new institute will focus on tech and research to facilitate innovation in the medical field,” he said.
