By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Assam Health Minister Ashok Singhal has said that Japanese Encephalitis (JE) continues to pose a seasonal public health challenge, noting that while the government has intensified prevention and treatment efforts, completely eliminating the disease remains difficult due to its transmission cycle and environmental factors.
Speaking during an inspection visit to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Singhal reviewed ongoing infrastructure projects and assessed healthcare services at the state’s premier medical institution. He described the visit as his first official tour of the hospital since assuming charge of the Health Department.
The minister highlighted the increasing pressure on GMCH, stating that the hospital caters to more than 3,200 outpatients daily. He expressed confidence that the expansion of healthcare facilities across Assam would gradually distribute patient loads more evenly, allowing tertiary-care centres to focus on complex and critical cases.
Referring to the annual spike in Japanese Encephalitis cases during the monsoon months, Singhal explained that the virus spreads through mosquitoes that acquire the infection from pigs and certain species of birds. Regions where these animals coexist in close proximity to human settlements are generally considered more susceptible to outbreaks.
He said the Health Department has already intensified surveillance in vulnerable districts and is implementing preventive measures in identified hotspots. Residents have been advised to adopt protective practices, including the use of mosquito nets and other safeguards against mosquito bites.
According to the minister, vaccination remains the most effective defence against Japanese Encephalitis. He said the government is continuing immunisation drives to ensure that eligible and high-risk populations are adequately protected from the disease.
Emphasising the seriousness of the infection, Singhal noted that every individual remains vulnerable if exposed to an infected mosquito, underscoring the importance of public awareness and preventive healthcare measures.
The minister also outlined the state’s progress in strengthening healthcare infrastructure. He said nearly 1,800 doctors have been recruited in recent years, helping improve medical services across Assam. He attributed the rapid expansion of the sector to the state’s focus on increasing medical education opportunities and healthcare accessibility.
Assam currently has 14 medical colleges, while several new institutions are under construction or nearing completion. Singhal said medical colleges at Bongaigaon and Biswanath are expected to begin operations soon, further enhancing healthcare coverage in the state.
Reiterating the government’s long-term healthcare strategy, the minister said efforts are focused on developing quality medical facilities closer to people’s homes. By strengthening district-level healthcare systems, the state aims to reduce dependence on major referral hospitals and ensure timely access to treatment across Assam.