Assam Cabinet Renames Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College to Barpeta Medical College and Hospital | Latest Update 2026
Guwahati, March 11, 2026: In a key decision aimed at standardizing the naming convention for government medical institutions in Assam, the state cabinet has approved the renaming of Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital (FAAMCH) in Barpeta to Barpeta Medical College and Hospital.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the move while addressing the media following the cabinet meeting on March 10, 2026. He explained that the change was necessary to bring consistency across all 15 medical colleges established by the state government.
“All the 15 medical colleges set up by the state government have been named after the places where they are situated. But the one in Barpeta was named after Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, which was different from the other such colleges and we had to face many questions on whether it was a private medical college,” Sarma stated.
He further clarified that the renaming addresses public confusion and aligns the institution with the geographical naming pattern followed for others in the state.
“Therefore the cabinet decided to rename the institution as Barpeta Medical College and Hospital. But since Ahmed was India’s president and he’s the only person from the state to reach that post, we have decided to name another educational or cultural institution of repute in the state after him. A decision in this regard will be taken later,” the Chief Minister added.
Established in 2011, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital is the fifth government medical college in Assam. Located in Barpeta, it currently operates with a 500-bed capacity and offers 125 seats for the MBBS course, along with both undergraduate and postgraduate medical programs. The institution is affiliated with Srimanta Sankardeva University of Health Sciences and has played a vital role in providing healthcare and medical education in lower Assam.
Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, the fifth President of India (1974-1977), remains the only individual from Assam to hold the country’s highest office. His tenure included the proclamation of Emergency in 1975 on the advice of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
The decision has sparked discussions on social media and local circles, with many appreciating the move for uniformity while noting the government’s commitment to honoring the former President’s legacy through another prestigious institution.
This renaming comes as part of ongoing efforts to streamline and enhance medical infrastructure in Assam under the leadership of CM Himanta Biswa Sarma. Stay tuned for updates on the new institution to be named after Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed.
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