Arunachal sets milestone with 100 MBBS seats at TRIHMS, boosts medical education

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu today described the induction of 100 MBBS students at Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) as a 'historic day' for both the state's lone medical college and the state itself. 

The number of seats for the MBBS course at TRIHMS has been increased from 50 to 100 from this academic year, a goal that Khandu has pursued since the college's inception.

At a ceremony held at TRIHMS, Khandu congratulated and welcomed the newly inducted students, marking a new chapter in the history of the institute. He expressed joy that the increased number of seats would allow more local youth to pursue medicine. Notably, 85 of the 100 seats are reserved for APST students, a significant rise from about 30 seats prior to the establishment of the medical college.

Khandu highlighted that the state government has fulfilled its promise to boost the capacity of TRIHMS and increase reserved seats for APST aspirants. He reminisced about the historic day in 2018 when he attended the induction ceremony of the first MBBS batch, who have since completed their internships and graduated in May this year. The second batch has also completed their final MBBS examination and is undergoing internship.

With this milestone achieved, Khandu emphasized the need for TRIHMS to advance further by initiating MD/MS PG and MCh/DM courses in super speciality departments and enhancing existing departments and services. The state government has approved the start of PG courses in 12 specialities and one super speciality (DM course in cardiology), along with a 500-bed super speciality block with central assistance.

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Khandu commended the faculty, doctors, and paramedics of TRIHMS for their exceptional work in conducting operations and emergency procedures, saving lives. He addressed the rising concerns of cancer and kidney diseases, informing that a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute to investigate increasing cancer rates. Additionally, a 200-bed Regional Cancer Center is being established in Midpu near Doimukh.

To address kidney ailments, the state government has approved the establishment of the Department of Renal Science and Kidney Transplantation at TRIHMS in collaboration with Sir Gangaram Hospital, with the first kidney transplantation expected soon once the OT complex is ready. 

The Chief Minister also announced plans to establish three more medical colleges in the state, with the second college set to open in Pasighat, followed by one in Namsai under PPP mode, and another in the West Kameng-Tawang region, bringing the total to four medical colleges in the state.

The induction ceremony was attended by Health Minister Biyuram Wahge, Advisor to Health Minister Dr Mahesh Chai, local MLA Techi Kaso, health officials, administrative officers, faculty members, doctors, and students of TRIHMS. 

Earlier in the day, Khandu, along with Wahge and Dr Chai, attended the 8th Governing Council Meeting of TRIHMS.