The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Guwahati, witnessed a landmark moment as Padma Shri Prof. (Dr) B.K.S. Sanjay formally assumed charge as its new President.
An internationally renowned orthopaedic surgeon with over 45 years of experience as a surgeon, academician, author, and social worker, Dr. Sanjay brings global expertise, having pursued advanced fellowships in Japan, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, and the USA.
Welcoming him, AIIMS Guwahati Executive Director Prof. (Dr) Ashok Puranik expressed gratitude for his acceptance of the role, noting that his visionary leadership would accelerate the institute’s growth in healthcare, education, and research.
In his address, Dr. Sanjay thanked the Government of India for the trust placed in him and shared his vision of developing AIIMS Guwahati into a nationally relevant centre of excellence. He emphasized innovation, clinical research, and region-specific health programmes targeting pressing challenges in the Northeast such as cancer, cardiac disease, drug addiction, and disabilities.
Calling on faculty and staff to uphold compassion and academic integrity, he urged them to train the next generation of medical professionals to be both competent and empathetic.
During a media interaction on August 23, Dr. Sanjay highlighted AIIMS Guwahati’s growing facilities, including a state-of-the-art Trauma Centre, a modern Radiology Department equipped with a 3 Tesla MRI for early cancer detection, and a dedicated Cardiology Department. He also underlined patient access to free treatment under Ayushman Bharat, alongside affordable medicines through Jan Aushadhi Kendras and Amrit Ausadhi Kendras.
He further stressed AIIMS Guwahati’s community outreach, including immunisation services, an internationally significant yellow fever vaccination clinic, a 15-bed de-addiction centre to combat substance abuse, and rehabilitation services for Divyangjans. Particularly passionate about care for children with cerebral palsy, Dr. Sanjay asserted that no child should be denied treatment due to financial constraints.
With his leadership, AIIMS Guwahati is set to strengthen its role as a premier healthcare and research hub, serving the Northeast and the nation at large.