Arunachal Pradesh to set up two new medical colleges, TRIHMS MBBS intake rises to 100

Arunachal Pradesh is set to expand its medical education capacity with two new medical colleges, while the MBBS intake at the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) has increased from 50 to 100 seats over the past two years, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said.

Khandu said the state government is preparing to establish its second medical college at Namsai, with construction expected to begin soon.

A third institution is also being planned in the West Kameng-Tawang region under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with a proposed intake of around 150 students.

An investor delegation from Delhi is expected to visit the proposed site and hold discussions with the concerned department, the Chief Minister said.

Khandu made the remarks on Sunday while inaugurating a dedicated 33kV power substation and Phase-II staff quarters at Vivekananda Bhavan at Ramakrishna Mission Hospital in Itanagar.

He also reaffirmed the state government's support for the Ramakrishna Mission's healthcare and education initiatives in Arunachal Pradesh.

The Chief Minister highlighted the Mission's longstanding presence in the state, tracing its association with Arunachal Pradesh to the establishment of its school at Aalo in 1966.

This was followed by the Ramakrishna Mission center at Narottam Nagar and the establishment of the hospital at Itanagar in 1978-79.

According to Khandu, several generations of students educated at Ramakrishna Mission institutions have gone on to hold important positions in public life and government service, particularly those who studied at the Aalo and Narottam Nagar institutions.

Khandu said the state government is also working to expand the Ramakrishna Mission's role in higher education. He recently urged the Mission to establish higher education institutions in Arunachal Pradesh.

Following discussions with the Mission leadership, in-principle approval has been given for two colleges, one at Aalo and another at Narottam Nagar, he said.

The government is examining whether existing infrastructure can be used to start the institutions, allowing the projects to become operational at the earliest, according to the Chief Minister.

Khandu also welcomed the establishment of an educational institution by the Ramakrishna Mission at Lamdung in East Kameng district. He said the institution would help improve access to quality education in the western parts of Arunachal Pradesh.

The Chief Minister said the planned 200-bed expansion of Ramakrishna Mission Hospital in Itanagar would further strengthen healthcare services in the state.

He also raised concerns about the growing infrastructure requirements of the Itanagar-Naharlagun urban area, particularly in the water supply sector. With rapid urbanization increasing demand, Khandu said advance planning was necessary to address the region's future water needs.

The state government has already prepared and submitted a proposal to the Central Government for a major water supply project for the capital region. Khandu said efforts would be made to advance the proposal at the earliest.

The Chief Minister also reviewed the condition of staff and doctors' quarters at the hospital, many of which were constructed during the 1970s and 1980s and now require replacement.

The Ramakrishna Mission has submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the state government for replacing the aging residential infrastructure, Khandu said. He assured that he would take up the matter with the Planning Department.

The event was attended by Home Minister Mama Natung, MLAs Pani Taram and Jikke Tako, Vice President of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math, Rev Swami Suhitananda Ji Maharaj, Secretary of Ramakrishna Mission Hospital Rev Swami Vedassaranandaji Maharaj, Secretary of Ramakrishna Mission, Narottamnagar, Rev Swami Achyuteshanandaji Maharaj, among others.