Srimanta Sankaradeva University of Health Sciences: Pioneering Health Education in Northeast India

Introduction

Srimanta Sankaradeva University of Health Sciences (SSUHS), established in 2009, stands as a beacon of health education in Assam, India. As the sole health sciences university in the northeastern region, SSUHS plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare professionals through its comprehensive programs and research initiatives. ​

Academic Programs

SSUHS offers a diverse array of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines: ​

• Undergraduate Programs:
• MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery): A five-and-a-half-year program designed to produce competent medical professionals.
• BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery): A four-year course focusing on dental sciences. ​
• B.Sc. Nursing: A four-year program preparing students for nursing careers. ​
• B.Pharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy): A four-year course offering in-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical sciences.​
• BHMS (Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery): A five-and-a-half-year program integrating homoeopathic principles with clinical practice. ​
• Postgraduate Programs:
• MD/MS (Doctor of Medicine/Master of Surgery): Advanced courses in various medical specialties. ​
• MDS (Master of Dental Surgery): Specialized training in dental surgery. ​
• M.Sc. Nursing M.Sc. Nursing: A two-year course designed to provide specialized training and expertise in advanced nursing practices.
• Doctoral Programs:
• Ph.D. opportunities are available in disciplines such as Allopathic Medicine, Dentistry, and Ayurveda Medicine, fostering research and academic excellence. ​

Affiliated Institutions

SSUHS affiliates 47 institutions across Assam, ensuring a widespread impact on health education. These include: ​

• Medical Colleges:
• Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh​
• Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati​ Silchar Medical College and Hospital, Silchar​
• Tezpur Medical College & Hospital, Sonitpur​
• Diphu Medical College and Hospital, Diphu​
• Lakhimpur Medical College and Hospital, located in North Lakhimpur.
• Dhubri Medical College and Hospital, Dhubri​
• Kokrajhar Medical College and Hospital, Kokrajhar​
• Nagaon Medical College and Hospital, Nagaon​
• Nalbari Medical College and Hospital, Nalbari​
• Tinsukia Medical College & Hospital, Makum ​
• Dental Colleges:
• Regional Dental College, Guwahati​
• Government Dental College, Silchar
• Government Dental College, Dibrugarh​
• Nursing Colleges:
• Regional College of Nursing, Guwahati​
• B.Sc. Nursing College, Silchar
• B.Sc. Nursing College, Dibrugarh​
• Army Institute of Nursing, Guwahati
• Pharmacy Colleges:
• Institute of Pharmacy, Silchar Medical College and Hospital​
• Institute of Pharmacy, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital​
• Institute of Pharmacy at Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh.
• Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic Colleges:
• Government Ayurvedic College, Guwahati​
• Assam Homeopathic College, Nagaon
• SJN Homoeopathic Medical College, Guwahati​
• Dr. JKS Homoeopathic Medical College, Jorhat

Collaborations and Research Initiatives

SSUHS actively engages in research and academic collaborations. In July 2024, the university signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tezpur University to enhance research, academic exchange, and capacity-building initiatives. This partnership aims to address critical health issues and improve the quality of education in the field. ​

Infrastructure and Facilities

While SSUHS does not have a standalone campus, its administrative offices are located within the premises of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital in Guwahati. The university provides essential facilities, including: ​

• Administrative Offices: Efficiently managed to support academic and operational activities. ​
• Library: A vast assortment of medical texts, research papers, and academic resources
• Laboratories: Cutting-edge facilities designed for practical education and scientific exploration. ​
• Hostel Accommodation: Comfortable lodging options for outstation students. ​

Admission Process

Admission to the various programs at Srimanta Sankaradeva University of Health Sciences (SSUHS) is based on merit, and candidates are selected through entrance examinations or counseling procedures, depending on the program.

• MBBS/BDS Admissions: The admission process for undergraduate courses such as MBBS and BDS is primarily through the Assam CEE (Common Entrance Examination) or NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) scores. The counseling process is managed by the Directorate of Medical Education, Assam, under the guidelines of SSUHS.
• Postgraduate Admissions: For MD, MS, and MDS programs, candidates are required to qualify through the NEET PG examination. Selection for postgraduate courses in nursing and other medical specialties is also done through the university's entrance exams.
• PhD Admissions: Candidates seeking admission to doctoral programs must pass the university’s entrance test followed by an interview. This process ensures that the selected candidates have the necessary research acumen to contribute to the university’s research ecosystem.

The admission process is transparent and aims to select candidates based on merit and academic excellence. Once selected, students are provided with course materials, orientation, and access to university facilities to ensure their academic success.

Focus on Health and Research

SSUHS emphasizes the importance of health research, particularly in addressing regional health issues. The university encourages research across various medical disciplines, including Ayurveda, allopathic medicine, dental sciences, and pharmacy. Some key research areas include infectious diseases, maternal and child health, healthcare technology, and public health systems.

In recent years, the university has seen significant contributions in medical research, with faculty members regularly publishing papers in reputed medical journals. SSUHS also encourages students to engage in research activities, and provides platforms such as conferences, seminars, and workshops to showcase their findings.

Regional Importance and Contribution

Being the sole health sciences university in Northeast India, SSUHS plays a crucial role in shaping the healthcare sector of Assam and its surrounding states. It is pivotal in addressing the health workforce shortage in the region, which is often impacted by remote locations, resource limitations, and infrastructural challenges.

By producing skilled healthcare professionals and offering advanced research and training facilities, SSUHS contributes to improving healthcare delivery in both urban and rural areas. The university's influence goes beyond just academics and research.

It plays a key role in shaping healthcare policies, organizing public health campaigns, and providing outreach services to underserved populations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Srimanta Sankaradeva University of Health Sciences is a cornerstone of healthcare education and research in Northeast India. With its diverse academic programs, collaborations with national and international institutions, and commitment to producing skilled healthcare professionals, the university is well-positioned to continue making significant contributions to the medical field.

SSUHS’s role in advancing health sciences education not only benefits Assam but also the broader northeastern region, which faces unique healthcare challenges. Through its academic rigor, research initiatives, and regional outreach, SSUHS continues to uphold its mission of improving healthcare delivery and education in India.

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