June 9: The Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) has undertaken a project to renovate the hospital building and create more infrastructure for the operation theatre of the emergency unit.

The North Eastern Council (NEC) has released Rs 2.48 crore for the project.

The GMCH will use the funds in problem areas like the sewerage system, kitchen, maternity ward and operation theatres.

The hospital building will be whitewashed and lighting facilities improved.

Principal-cum-chief superintendent of the GMCH Dr M.M. Deka said the facelift would attract more patients, including those from well-to-do families.

Public works department (PWD) officials said efforts are being made to correct flaws in the construction of the hospital building made by the National Building Construction Corporation Limited.

Four hostels are being reconstructed with more facilities.

The deadline for the completion of the project is August. Sources said Dispur has asked the GMCH to utilise the funds properly and develop the hospital on the lines of the premier healthcare centres of the country.

The Gauhati Medical College Students’ Union (GMCSU) and Junior Doctors’ Association (JDA) recently ridiculed Dispur’s claim of upgrading the institute to the level of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and demanded proper utilisation of development funds.