Arunachal Pradesh is gearing up for a major leap in Medical education and healthcare infrastructure. The state government has initiated the process of setting up its second Medical college at Namsai, a project that is expected to bring both more doctors and better hospital facilities to the region. Once complete, the new institution will add 100 MBBS seats, taking the total number of seats available in the state to 200.
At present, Arunachal has only one functional Medical college — the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) in Naharlagun. Established in 2018, TRIHMS had initially started with just 50 MBBS seats, which was later doubled to 100. While it has been a gamechanger in producing the state’s first batches of homegrown doctors, the demand for Medical education continues to far outstrip the available capacity. The move to establish a second Medical college, therefore, comes as a much-needed boost for aspiring students and the Medical system at large.
Expansion at Namsai Hospital
The upcoming Namsai Medical College will be developed within the existing district hospital complex. Currently, the hospital has about 100 beds, but under the new plan, it will see a major 320-bed expansion. This will take the total capacity to around 420 beds, creating a strong foundation for a full-fledged Medical teaching hospital. The additional facilities are expected to significantly improve healthcare services for people living in eastern Arunachal, where access to specialised Medical treatment often means travelling long distances.
Cost and Timeline
According to the Directorate of Medical Education, Training & Research, Arunachal Pradesh, the project will cost an estimated ₹356.6 crore. It will be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, where the government will collaborate with a private partner bringing expertise in Medical education and Medical management. Tenders for the project have already been floated, and potential partners are being evaluated based on the requirements of both the state government and the Union Health Ministry.
The construction and expansion are expected to take about seven years to complete. While that may sound like a long timeline, officials point out that developing a Medical college involves not only new infrastructure but also equipping the Medical hospital, setting up laboratories, hostels, and faculty housing — all while ensuring compliance with national Medical education standards.
Chief Minister’s Push for Medical Education
The plan for a second Medical college was first announced by Chief Minister Pema Khandu in November last year. At that time, he had also spoken of the possibility of a third Medical college in Pasighat, also under the PPP model. Speaking at an induction programme at TRIHMS, Khandu said the expansion of Medical colleges was crucial to address the acute shortage of doctors in the state and to make Medical facilities accessible even in the remotest corners of Arunachal.
A Step Towards Better Healthcare
The launch of this project is being seen as more than just an expansion of Medical education opportunities. For local communities, especially those in Namsai and nearby districts, the hospital upgrade means access to better Medical facilities without the need to travel to Itanagar or even outside the state for advanced Medical care. For students, it opens up new avenues to pursue MBBS within their own state, reducing the pressure of competing for limited Medical seats elsewhere.
Once operational, the Namsai Medical College will not only train future doctors but also serve as a hub for improved Medical research and healthcare delivery in the region. Together with TRIHMS, it will mark a new chapter in Arunachal’s journey towards building a stronger, more self-reliant Medical system.
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