Guwahati, 03 November (HS): The Assam government has completed preparations for shifting various medical services of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) to the new building of Mahendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital (MMCH), which will offer advanced healthcare facilities with a total capacity of 997 beds. At the same time, the government has announced stringent measures against fake paneer and substandard dairy products to protect public health.

Health and Family Welfare, Medical Education and Research Minister Ashok Singhal announced this at a press conference held at his office in Dispur on Tuesday. He said ensuring public health safety and providing accessible, affordable and quality healthcare remain among the government's top priorities.

The minister said the new MMCH building has been made ready for patient care with 997 beds, including 112 critical care beds, six special observation beds, a 30-bed dialysis centre and 52 premium rooms available on a payment basis. Separate arrangements have also been made for emergency services, while modern infrastructure has been developed for various specialised medical departments.

Singhal said services of several departments of GMCH would be shifted to the new building in a phased manner. A detailed plan has been prepared to ensure that patient care is not disrupted during the transition. Emergency and critical patient services will continue uninterrupted, and emergency facilities will be shifted only after appropriate arrangements are in place. The transfer of these services will be undertaken in the final phase under proper supervision and planning.

The departments and facilities proposed to be shifted include medicine, surgery, ENT, respiratory medicine, plastic surgery, rheumatology and psychiatry, along with certain radiology and laboratory services.

The minister expressed hope that the modern infrastructure and improved medical facilities at the new building would provide patients with a better treatment environment and enhance the overall quality of healthcare services. He also sought public cooperation for the smooth completion of the shifting process.

Meanwhile, Singhal reiterated the government's firm stand against fake paneer and substandard dairy products, stating that adulteration of food items and misleading consumers through false claims would not be tolerated.

The Food Safety Department had conducted inspections at various locations across the state and collected samples of paneer and other dairy products. Laboratory examinations revealed that some products did not contain the prescribed levels of milk fat and were found to contain excess water, starch, vegetable oils and other non-dairy ingredients.

Instances were also detected where such products were being sold as genuine paneer, thereby misleading consumers.

According to an order issued by the Assam Food Safety Commissionerate on October 31, 2026, a ban has been imposed across the state on the manufacture, storage, sale, distribution and use of dairy alternatives that fail to meet prescribed standards or are unauthorised. The restriction will remain in force for one year unless legally modified or extended.

The minister clarified that no product failing to meet the prescribed standards for genuine paneer can be sold under the name of paneer. He said products manufactured using vegetable oils or other non-dairy fats in place of milk fat cannot be marketed as genuine paneer, as doing so amounts to misleading consumers.

He urged hotels, restaurants, catering establishments and other food businesses to verify the quality and source of the dairy products they procure and strictly comply with food safety laws and government directives.

Singhal warned that individuals and establishments violating the order by manufacturing, selling, storing or distributing prohibited products would face stringent legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Depending on the nature of the violation, the authorities may withdraw the products from the market, suspend or cancel business licences and initiate legal proceedings. The Food Safety Department will continue regular inspections and enforcement drives across the state.

The minister also appealed to consumers to remain vigilant while purchasing food products, particularly paneer and other dairy items. He advised them to check product labels, manufacturing dates, expiry dates and food safety licence details before making purchases. Consumers were also urged to inform the concerned food safety authorities about suspected adulteration or substandard products.

Singhal said that ensuring safe and quality food was as essential to public health as developing modern healthcare infrastructure. He reiterated that the state government was committed to expanding healthcare facilities while simultaneously taking strict action against food adulteration and consumer fraud.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash