New Delhi: Assam Health Minister Pijush Hazarika on Thursday said that his government was ready to help Bihar to counter encephalitis if required.
"Bihar is capable enough to counter the threat, but if needed we are ready to extend our help to counter encephalitis," said Hazarika in an exclusive interview to ETV Bharat.
His statement assumes significance following the fact that hundreds of children have already died in Muzaffarpur due to encephalitis outbreak.
The BJP leader said that the encephalitis is also a major threat for Assam. "It's a threat in Assam too but we are well prepared to counter the threat," said Hazarika.
Encephalitis effect mainly the upper Assam areas every year.
The minister said that presently there is a shortage of doctors in the state. "We have only six medical colleges, now we are setting up 7 more hospitals which will help us in bringing at least 2500 doctors every year," he said.
Hazarika, who is also the urban development minister said that many of the smart city projects in Guwahati have already been implemented.
Referring to Centre's "Act East" policy, Hazarika said that Guwahati with its facility could become a major hub for the Asian countries.
"We have air connectivity to Singapore, Bangkok, Dhaka, and with this Guwahati can play a potential role in connecting the Asian countries," he said.
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