Reported by Avik Chakraborty
Dibrugarh: After several missed deadlines and prolonged delays, the much-anticipated Dr John Berry White Medical Museum is finally set to open on July 1, coinciding with National Doctors’ Day.
The museum, which holds significant historical value for the medical fraternity and the people of Dibrugarh, had remained closed following renovation and beautification work that stalled due to administrative delays and alleged negligence by the concerned department.
A review meeting on the project was held on Tuesday, chaired by Dibrugarh Deputy Commissioner Bikram Kairi. The meeting was attended by Dibrugarh MLA Prasanta Phukan, Mayor of Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation (DMC) Dr Saikat Patra, Superintendent of Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) Dr Dhrubajyoti Bhuyan, and representatives of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Dibrugarh chapter, along with other officials.
Following the discussions, MLA Prasanta Phukan said it was decided that the museum would finally be opened, describing it as a prestigious project that had remained neglected for years. He added that the responsibility for the project would now be handed over to the Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation, and a committee would be formed to oversee its management. The committee will include representatives from IMA, AMCH, and the district health department.
He also stated that efforts would be made to enhance the site’s aesthetics through landscaping and installation of solar lighting.
DMC Mayor Dr Saikat Patra confirmed that the civic body would take charge of cleanliness and maintenance of the museum premises. He noted that a dedicated committee would soon be constituted to ensure proper upkeep and functioning of the facility.
The Rs 2.1-crore project, funded under Oil India Limited’s CSR initiative, was initially scheduled for completion in April 2019. However, it faced repeated delays despite a Memorandum of Understanding signed on January 10, 2018, between Oil India Limited and INTACH.
The Dr John Berry White Medical School, located on AT Road in Dibrugarh, was established in 1900, four years after the death of its founder, Dr John Berry White. A British surgeon who served in Assam for 24 years under the East India Company, Dr White dedicated his life savings to establish the institution, which marked the beginning of medical education in Northeast India.
The legacy institution later paved the way for the establishment of Assam Medical College in 1947, making it a landmark in the region’s medical history.
Local residents have welcomed the decision to finally open the museum, expressing relief that a project of such historical importance is being revived after years of delay.