Guwahati: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has pledged a significant investment of Rs 13.56 crore towards the establishment of a cutting-edge burn ward at Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) in Assam’s Barak Valley.
This initiative, a cornerstone of ONGC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed by ONGC, ONGC Foundation, and SMCH.
The upcoming burn ward, spanning 11,000 square feet, will be a G+2 structure equipped with 30 beds, including a critical 10-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Scheduled for completion in two phases over the next two years, the facility is poised to revolutionize burn care in the region by providing advanced treatment options previously unavailable.
A celebratory atmosphere marked the MoA signing ceremony at the ONGC conference hall, attended by key officials from both organizations, including Dr. Bhaskar Gupta, Principal of SMCH, and Vipul Gohai, ONGC Asset Manager.
The event coincided with ONGC’s 69th Foundation Day, underscoring the company’s commitment to community welfare.
Dr. Gupta spoke on the critical need for a specialized burn ward in the Barak Valley, stating, “This facility will dramatically improve the quality of care for burn victims in the region. Having advanced treatment options locally is a monumental leap forward for our medical infrastructure.”
Echoing Dr. Gupta’s sentiments, Vipul Gohai expressed pride in launching this transformative project. He highlighted ONGC’s longstanding dedication to community development, citing the recent Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Srikona unit as a testament to the company’s commitment.
The construction of the burn ward will commence after the completion of the tendering process on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal.
Once operational, the facility is expected to significantly enhance SMCH’s capacity to provide specialized burn care, ultimately elevating the overall healthcare standards in the Barak Valley.