Archive · 2 Jan 2026
Assam seeks to boost medical tourism with Bhutan
The Assam Government is talking with the Indian Ambassador to Bhutan about ways to bring more Bhutanese patients to Assam for medical treatment.
They also discussed making it easier for people and goods to move between Assam and Bhutan.
This includes building better roads and railways, setting up special economic zones, and encouraging Bhutanese students to study in Assam.
Both sides agreed to work together to make these plans happen and to attract more tourists to both regions.
Assam Government is exploring ways to boost medical tourism by treating Bhutanese patients in Assam hospitals.
Discussions with the Indian Ambassador to Bhutan covered cross-border connectivity, economic engagement, and people-to-people ties.
Proposed initiatives include establishing a Land Customs Station at Samrang and upgrading the Hatisar LCS to an Integrated Check Post.
Cooperation in education and healthcare was emphasized, with a focus on encouraging Bhutanese students to study in Assam.
Both sides agreed to intensify engagement with tourism stakeholders and private investors to explore mutually beneficial opportunities.
- Who
- Assam Government and Indian Ambassador to Bhutan, Sandeep Arya
- What
- Discussion on enhancing medical tourism and cross-border cooperation between Assam and Bhutan
- When
- January 2, 2024
- Where
- Guwahati, Assam, India
- Why
- To boost medical tourism, strengthen cross-border connectivity, and enhance economic and cultural ties
- Location
- Assam, India and Bhutan
- Key Figures
- Ravi Kota (Assam Chief Secretary), Sandeep Arya (Indian Ambassador to Bhutan)
- Key Initiatives
- Medical tourism, cross-border connectivity, economic engagement, education, healthcare cooperation
- Proposed Projects
- Land Customs Station at Samrang, Integrated Check Post at Hatisar, Bongaigaon–Gelephu railway line, Special Economic Zone in Assam
- Focus Areas
- Strengthening cross-border connectivity, economic engagement, people-to-people ties, tourism, healthcare, education