“The true health care reform starts in your kitchen, not in the Capital”, true buttoday is a society where Health and Wealth possibly goes hand in hand. Often chickened out as the remote northeast, Health Industry of the region in the recent years have made significant strides. Government, private, social and individual as an institution have realized the aspirations of the people and region for better health opportunities. Better hospitals, medical facilities, care and cure today are at a hands reach… thereby making Health for All a reality.

While the Health Industry and the Government institutions involved in the sector has been working relentlessly to make Health Care accessible for one and all, “News18 Assam/Northeast” the leading New Channel catering to the aspirations of the region believed that it was time that this potent segment of the industry needs to be recognized and appreciated too. Withthis concept in mind the second edition of “News18 Assam Healthcare Excellence Awards” was given away at a glittering function held on February 27, at the banquet hall of Radisson Blu, Guwahati

As the clock struck seven, when the music played soft and the august guest arrived, the show was thrown open by the introductory speech of Dr. Sanjoy Paul, Editor of New18 Assam/ Northeast. Highlighting the need of the award Dr. Paul expressed that its payback time and time we realize the selfless effort of the Health Industry and the people involved with it to keep the society health and wealthy.

Mr. Pijush Hazarika, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Assam graced the event as the Guest of Honour.Hespoke elaborately on the potential of the industry and its impediments. He congratulated News18 for spearheading this initiative to recognize the service of the people in the healthcare industry, which will lead to better healthcare for all.

Recognition is the greatest motivation and keeping tandem with the noble effort to recognize the selfless endeavor of the Health Industry in Assam, it was time for the awards. The honorable Health Minister and the editor of the channel awarded the adjudged winners in each of the 20 segments to 21 recipients. The winners were honored with a (Fulamgamocha), a trophy and a citation.

It may mentioned that the entries were invited from applicants across the state to qualify for the awards instituted for the second time in the state and the region as a whole by News18. The reception at the front office desk were flooded with envelopes which were sorted in the segments and presented before a selected panel of jury which was rightfully represented by the likes of Former Commissioner & Secretary Health Sri SwapnanilBarua (Retd IAS), Dr. JadunathBuragohain (Oncologist), Dr. Arup Jyoti Kalita (State Director, Health & Beyond Foundation) and Mr. Mahadeb Deka(Mr. Universe 2009).

The Excellence in outreach healthcare was given to “Centre for North East Studies & Policy Research”for its pioneering innovative and noble healthcare ideas to reach out the remotest corners of the State.

HAMM Hospital & Research Centre for its initiatives in implementation of Government health schemes benefitting the needy and less privileged patients was awarded Best Government scheme managed Hospital.

Jhpiego-Assam adjusted the Best Healthcare NGO of the Year award for supporting the State in developing operational strategies and financial proposals in healthcare sector.

For its high standard in the practice of patience safety, Dispur Hospital bagged the best practice in patient safety award this year too consecutively.

Health City Hospital bagged the award for excellence in critical care for having state of the art ICU.
Apollo Hospital Guwahati for its popularity and best of nursing care got awards in two segments – Most popular Hospital of the Year and Best ICU facility Hospital.

Similarly Pratiksha Hospital bagged two awards namely Best Woman & child care hospital, and Best IVF treatment facility Hospital.
State Cancer Institute – GMCH was adjudged winner for the Swachhata Government Hospital Award.

Guwahati Medical College Hospital bagged the most advanced equipped hospital award.The Hospital has got one of the four Cyclotron machine with active production of radioactive isotopes in the country.

In a region where cancer is rampant Guwahati Pain & Palliative Care Societyfor its selfless work in service and care towards the patients in need was awarded the Compassionate Care Award.

Arogyam Hair Transplant Clinic got the Best wellness service provider award for bringing happiness and care to the people in distress.
For quality maintenance and service of the sophisticated medical equipment Fama Marketing was presented the Most sustainable quality Healthcare Service provider Award.

For exhibiting high quality of excellence in hospital management and holistic development of the health infrastructure, The Best Hospital Administrator of the Year was jointly given to Mr. RanjanKakati of Dispur Hospital and Mr. Manoj Kumar Deka of Health City Hospital.

Dr. Narendra Nath Dutta for his visionary works in the field of health education and imparting the education of Para medics in Downtown Universitybagged the award for outstanding contribution to health education.

Dr. Mrs. Arundhati BorthakurSarmaforher outstanding contribution to Assam healthcare was awarded Outstanding contribution to Assam healthcare award.

Dr. Amal Chandra Kataki, Director of B. Borooah Cancer Hospital for his exemplary works in the field of Cancer management and treatment and also turning BBCI into a Research Centre, was awarded the Distinguished Career Award.

Dr. BhabadevGoswami, well known Gastroenterologist and Haematologistwas the best choice for the Doctor of the Year for his outstanding career and overall contribution to healthcare.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred upon Dr. Mrs. AlakaGoswami for her lifelong contribution to Healthcare of the State, and making lives of many women better.

As the day drew towards the end with an enthralling Bihu performance, the most emotional and mesmerizing moment of the evening was the ramp walk from a group of lady cancer survivors. Presented by ‘Oncocare Trust’, the walk from the Cancer survivors with smile on their face touched the hearts of each and every one present there. Mr. Universe 2009 Mr. Mahadev Deka was the show stopper and he added glamour to the event. MsMandira and MrRizu Miller were the Designer and Choreographer of the Show.

The concept of honoring the Health sector of the state shaped up into an event with the cooperation and association of partners in the journey such as OIL, State Bank of India, NH Narayana Superspeciality HospitalBafna, The Assam Tribune, Radio Mirchi 95, Aahana Ads & Outdoors, Rehman Hospital, Patna Orthopedic & Trauma Hospitalhad extended their helping hand to make Assam Health Excellence Awards such a success.