Dibrugarh’s AMCH to Lead Specialised Care, Research, and Awareness Initiatives
Assam: The Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh has been officially designated as a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Rare Diseases under the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD), 2021, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) announced this week.
This prestigious recognition marks a major milestone for Assam’s healthcare landscape, positioning AMCH as a specialised hub for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of rare diseases—a category that affects a small percentage of the population but often requires complex, long-term care.
Officials from the ministry said the designation reflects the growing capabilities of Assam’s medical infrastructure and is a testament to the state government’s commitment to expanding specialised healthcare services. As a newly named CoE, AMCH will also undertake medical research, training programmes, and awareness campaigns aimed at equipping healthcare professionals and informing the public about rare diseases. The hospital is expected to serve not only patients in Assam but also those from neighbouring Northeastern states, where access to advanced care has historically been limited.
Major Boost for Northeast India’s Healthcare Infrastructure
Rare diseases, which include conditions such as Huntington’s disease, certain types of muscular dystrophy, and rare genetic disorders, often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to lack of expertise and infrastructure. With this designation, AMCH will now receive central support and funding to enhance its facilities, build multidisciplinary teams, and ensure timely and accurate treatment for affected individuals.
The move is being celebrated as a step forward in health equity for the region, offering new hope to families coping with difficult diagnoses. As the only Centre of Excellence for rare diseases in the state, AMCH is set to become a beacon of specialised care and innovation in Northeast India.